Madagascar Military Commander Sworn In as Interim President

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT unit, was sworn in as Madagascar’s interim president at a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court after his forces joined weeks of mainly youth-led protests and parliament impeached President Andry Rajoelina. Rajoelina reportedly fled the country amid threats. Randrianirina, who traded his uniform for a suit during the ceremony, pledged a “refoundation” of the republic and sweeping administrative, socio-economic and political reforms, and announced a military-led transition of 18–24 months with promised elections and consultations to appoint a prime minister. He insisted the takeover was not a coup and credited Gen Z protesters for driving change. The United Nations condemned an "unconstitutional change of government," the African Union suspended Madagascar, and other international actors urged a return to constitutional order. Parts of Antananarivo celebrated and some normality has returned, but major questions remain over legitimacy, Rajoelina’s whereabouts and whether the promised transition will restore stability and essential services.