Colonel Michael Landrianilina, leader of a military rebellion in Madagascar, stated he would assume the presidency following the ousting of President Andriy Rajoelina. In an interview, he mentioned the military would govern for 18 months to two years until new elections are organized. The coup followed weeks of protests led by a youth group called “Gen Z Madagascar,” demanding better governance amid severe poverty issues.
Protesters celebrated the military’s takeover, which Landrianilina claims was authorized by the High Constitutional Court. He criticized Rajoelina’s assertion that the coup was illegal, insisting that the court endorsed their actions. While there has been little international reaction, the situation echoes past governmental upheavals in Madagascar. Some analysts view the youth-led protests as justified but condemn military involvement, urging the African Union to denounce the coup and refrain from recognizing the new regime.
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