Madagascar is set to swear in an army colonel as its new president on Friday, following a dramatic military takeover that forced President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.The power shift, which unfolded earlier this week, has drawn widespread international concern over what appears to be another coup in the politically unstable island nation.
According to reports, the military leadership announced that the colonel—whose name has not yet been officially confirmed—will assume power to “restore order and stability” after days of tension and uncertainty.President Rajoelina, who was reportedly escorted out of the capital amid rising unrest, has not made a public statement since his ouster.
The African Union and the United Nations have both called for a swift return to constitutional order and dialogue between all parties.Madagascar, which has experienced multiple coups in recent decades, now faces renewed fears of instability as its new military-backed leadership prepares to take charge.