A bold move has shaken Madagascar, as the leader of a military rebellion, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, declares his intention to assume the role of president. This development comes after weeks of protests led by youth groups, known as "Gen Z Madagascar," demanding better governance and opportunities in a country plagued by poverty.
In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Randrianirina stated, "I am taking the position of president." He further explained that the armed forces would oversee the Indian Ocean island for a period of 18 months to two years before any new elections are held. This announcement follows a mutiny led by Randrianirina's soldiers, which resulted in the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina.
"There must be an oath-taking to formalize my position," Randrianirina emphasized, flanked by fellow military officers. He expects to be sworn in as the new leader within days.
The anti-government protests reached a critical juncture on Saturday when Randrianirina and his elite CAPSAT unit joined the demonstrations, calling for Rajoelina's resignation. This move forced Rajoelina to flee the country, leaving a power vacuum.
Randrianirina justified his actions by citing an invitation from the country's High Constitutional Court, which he claims legitimizes his role as head of state. He argued, "We had to take responsibility because the country was leaderless, with no president or government."
However, Rajoelina, who was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, has rejected the military takeover as an illegal coup attempt by a rebel faction. He expressed fear for his life after the rebellion and has sought refuge in a safe location.
"What is illegal about our actions?" Randrianirina questioned. "We have an order from the highest court. We did not coerce or threaten them."
Randrianirina's claim of authority from the High Constitutional Court seems to contradict his earlier announcement that the military council had suspended the court's powers. Nonetheless, he emphasized the military's commitment to resolving the crisis, stating, "We are accelerating the appointment of a new prime minister to prevent the crisis from dragging on."
Madagascar has a history of coups and attempted coups since its independence from France in 1960, and the country has struggled with persistent poverty. The 2009 military-led coup brought Rajoelina to power as a transitional leader, highlighting the complex dynamics between youth aspirations and political instability.
The international response to this takeover has been muted, with no significant reactions from other countries or the African Union, which held an emergency meeting on Tuesday. Some analysts have described the youth uprising as a legitimate expression of grievances over government failures, but they condemn the military's involvement.
Olufemi Taiwo, a professor of Africana studies at Cornell University, stated, "Gen-Zers in Madagascar have been protesting the lack of essential services and the impact on their lives. This is a civil society movement, and the military should not be part of the solution." He called on the African Union to condemn the coup and urged no recognition of the new military leadership.
The situation in Madagascar remains fluid, and the world watches with anticipation to see how this power transition unfolds.
