Colonel Michael Randrianirina has een  formally sworn in as Madagascar’s president on Friday, days after leading a military takeover that forced longtime president Andry Rajoelina into exile. The inauguration, held at the High Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, came after the military dissolved most state institutions and impeached Rajoelina for abandoning his post amid nationwide protests over chronic power and water shortages. 

In his address, Randrianirina called the day a “historic turning point,” pledging to draft a new constitution, reform governance, and hold elections within two years. He thanked youth led movements for mobilizing change but also faces international pressure as both the United Nations and the African Union have condemned the coup and demanded a return to constitutional civilian rule.