Army Colonel to Lead Madagascar after Coup, Vows Talks with AU

Colonel Michael Randrianirina said he will be sworn in as «President for the Refoundation» on Friday, days after the army toppled President Andry Rajoelina amid youth-led protests over power cuts and water shortages.

The African Union suspended Madagascar on Wednesday and urged a return to civilian rule and elections. Randrianirina said the suspension was expected and that he is open to behind-the-scenes talks with the bloc.

He announced that the military has dissolved all institutions except the National Assembly and that a military-led committee will govern alongside a transitional cabinet for up to two years before organising polls. Lawmakers impeached Rajoelina after he left the country; he has condemned the takeover and refused to resign.

Randrianirina, a former commander in the elite CAPSAT unit linked to the 2009 coup that first brought Rajoelina to power, broke with his former ally last week and urged troops not to fire on protesters. The AU suspension raises the risk of international isolation for the new leadership.