Colonel Michael Randrianrina was sworn in as Madagascar’s new president days after the military took control of the Indian Ocean nation.
He replaced his uniform with a suit and thanked the young people who took to the streets for weeks of protests that prompted President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country and led to his impeachment.
The ceremony was held at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, where a large crowd gathered to watch – including those who led the demonstrations.
He said, “Today represents a historic turning point for our country. With a people in full enthusiasm, driven by the desire for change… we gladly open a new chapter in the life of our nation.”
The former French colony is now entering a transition period, which will be full of political obstacles and legal uncertainty – although there is cautious optimism about Colonel Randrianirina’s leadership.
The President of the Constitutional Court, Florent Rakotoriswa, criticized the international community for describing the situation in Madagascar as a coup.
He denied that a violation of the Constitution had occurred in Madagascar, instead blaming the Constitution for causing the situation to deteriorate.
The demonstrators hoped that Rajoelina would simply resign and pave the way for a smooth democratic transition.
Instead, he clung to power, dissolving his government and holding a series of dialogues with different groups of people, efforts that were not enough to appease the protesters.
The protests, which began last month, were initially organized by a youth movement known as Gen Z Mada – angry at persistent electricity and water shortages.
Colonel Randrianrina was head of Madagascar’s elite CAPSAAT army unit when his troops on Tuesday joined thousands of protesters in the streets of the capital.
He told Generation Z protesters that he would take power and that the military would form a government and hold elections within two years.
Democracy advocates, inside and outside the country, hope that this promise will be fulfilled.
At the ceremony held at the country’s Supreme Court, Reuters reported, trumpets sounded after Randrianirena took the oath of office, promising to “dedicate all my strength to defending and promoting national unity and human rights.”
Wearing the official sash and star of office, he reaffirmed his commitment to change.
“We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a good constitution,” he said, adding that electoral reforms would be carried out before a new vote is held.
“We are committed to breaking with the past. Our main task is to comprehensively reform the country’s administrative, social, economic and political governance systems.”
After the ceremony, the new president spoke to reporters outside the Constitutional Court and outlined in more detail what he considered to be his most important priorities.
He said he would begin an investigation into the state-owned water and electricity company, Giramah.
“Today and tomorrow, we will study the situation in Gerama – what is happening there and what problems currently exist. This review aims to prevent further difficulties in the future. This is our first social priority,” he said.
“The second priority is rice cultivation. As we enter the agricultural season, we must evaluate the best way forward.
He added, “The third priority is to appoint the prime minister and form the government.”
Like other former French colonies in Africa that have seen coups in recent years, it has been hinted that relations with France may also change under his leadership with warmer relations with Russia.
On Thursday, Randrianrena attended a meeting with Russian embassy officials to discuss “serious” cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier during the protests, people were seen in the streets waving Russian flags, demanding Moscow’s intervention.
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