The United Nations chief on Thursday condemned the military coup in Madagascar. The army colonel who led the country’s coup will be sworn in as president on Friday, three days after troops announced their decision to take power.
“He condemned the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar and called for a return to constitutional order and the rule of law,” said Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
He will be sworn in as Madagascar’s leader in a ceremony held at the High Constitutional Court on Friday, according to a statement signed by Colonel Michel Randrianirina.
Colonel Randrianariina signed the statement as President of the ”reestablished” Republic of Madagascar. Following the military coup, ousted President Andrey Rajoelina fled the country fearing threat to his life. It is not known where he is right now. Madagascar is suspended from the African Union. It said it “completely rejects” the takeover.
Randrianarina announced on Tuesday that armed forces were taking control after three weeks of deadly anti-government protests. These demonstrations were mainly led by dissatisfied youth.
These youth demonstrated against the failures of government services, poverty and lack of opportunities, and accused the elite of corruption and nepotism. The protesters rallied under the name ‘Gen Z Madagascar’. Earlier in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh too, leaders were ousted from power following youth-led protests.