Antananarivo: The leader of Madagascar’s military coup says he is “taking the position of president” and that the armed forces will be in charge of the African island nation for up to two years before any elections are held.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the rebellion that ousted president Andry Rajoelina on Tuesday following weeks of youth-led protests, said in his first interview with a global news outlet since taking power that he expected to be sworn in as the country’s new leader in the next few days.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina joins protesters on Tuesday to announce that the armed forces are taking control of Madagascar. Credit: AP

“There must be an oath-taking” to make his position official, Randrianirina said at his unit’s barracks while flanked by fellow office

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