Leader Of The Madagascar Coup Colonel Randrianirina Inaugurated As President

The leader of the Madagascar coup, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, was sworn in as president/DOK PHOTO via Wikimedia Commons

JAKARTA - The leader of the Madagascar coup, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, was sworn in as president. His inauguration was greeted with cheers, trumpets, and lifted swords, days after taking control of the island nation following protests led by Gen Z that forced his predecessor to retreat.

Former leader Andry Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers after she fled overseas on weekends, condemned the takeover and refused to step down during her exile.

Despite widespread defections in security forces and the High Constitutional Court ratified the military takeover hours after the incident.

The African Union and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the coup, which came after weeks of "Gen Z" protests that were initially triggered by severe and chronic electricity and water shortages.

"I will fully, completely, and fairly fulfill the high responsibility of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar," Randrianirina said at a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court.

"I swear that I will carry out the power entrusted to me and dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights," he continued.

Although many youths cheered over the fall of Rajoelina, which came to power through the 2009 coup, some have expressed concerns about the military's speed of stepping in to fill the power vacuum.

Even the Generation Z demonstrators who were present to celebrate the inauguration of the new military leader did not consider their work to be completed.

"Not yet," said Mioty Andrianambinintsoa, an 18-year-old student, outside the court building. This is just a stage. Our goal has not been achieved," he said.