Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar's president on Friday, after seizing power in a military coup following youth-led protests. 

The military takeover has been condemned by the United Nations and the African Union, which has suspended Madagascar's membership. 

Ousted President Andry Rajoelina fled Madagascar, claiming his life was in danger. He was then impeached in absentia on Tuesday, after Randrianirina announced that the military would take power.

Protests against Rajoelina led to coup

The takeover came after three weeks of anti-government protests, led mostly by young people protesting chronic electricity and water cuts and widespread poverty. 

The protests gained momentum when Randrianirina's military unit, known by its French acronym (CAPSAT), mutinied and joined the ranks..

Madagascar ranks among the bottom ten on the UN's Human Development Index. In 2022, three-quarters of its 30 million people lived below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. Only 36% have access to electricity, which is often unreliable due to daily outages.

Military council to run Madagascar, for now

Randrianirina said a committee led by the military would rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organizing new elections.

"Madagascar has not chosen a military regime," he told reporters Thursday.

"The government belongs to civilians. The presidential council is also composed of military and civilians," he said.

Rajoelina's whereabouts were unknown. Some media reports have suggested the 51-year-old was evacuated on Sunday aboard a French military plane that took him to the French island of Reunion from where he traveled to Dubai.

Edited by: Wesley Rahn