Madagascar, coup leader Randrianirina: “Ready to assume the office of president”

Antananarivo (Madagascar), 15 October (LaPresse/AP) – The leader of the military coup in Madagascar has declared that he will ‘assume the office of president’ in an interview with the Associated Press at his barracks. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led a soldier rebellion that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, said he is expected to be sworn in as the new leader of the Indian Ocean country in the coming days. Randrianirina announced on Tuesday that the armed forces were taking power in Madagascar, ending weeks of protests against Rajoelina and his government by groups composed mainly of young people. He said he would assume the role of head of state after the country’s High Constitutional Court invited him to do so in the absence of Rajoelina, who fled Madagascar following the uprising. ‘There must be an oath’ to make his position official, Randrianirina said.