Madagascar has sworn in an army colonel as president, just days after a military takeover on the back of a popular rebellion that sent President Andry Rajoelina fleeing into exile.
The African island nation’s High Constitutional Court on Friday formalized the appointment of Colonel Michael Randrianirina in a ceremony, crowning a tumultuous week in which Rajoelina was impeached for desertion of duty on Tuesday, with the military stepping in.
Mass demonstrations in recent weeks over power and water shortages turned deadly, with the United Nations reporting that at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 others were injured.
“We will work hand in hand with all the driving forces of the nation to draft a fine constitution … and to agree on new electoral laws for the organization of elections and referendums,” Randrianirina said, thanking the youth for spearheading the protests that ousted Rajoelina.
Randrianirina said earlier that the military had taken power and dissolved all institutions except the lower house of parliament, or National Assembly.
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