Madagascar's new military ruler Michael Randrianirina says he will soon be sworn in as president of the African island country after a coup he led to oust President Andry Rajoelina.

Rajoelina, who was impeached by MPs after fleeing abroad at the weekend, has condemned the takeover and refused to step down despite "Gen Z" demonstrations demanding his resignation and widespread defections in the security forces.

Randrianirina has told Malagasy citizens that the military has taken power and dissolved all institutions except the lower house of parliament or National Assembly.

"We will be sworn in soon," the army colonel told a press briefing on Wednesday, a day after the High Constitutional Court invited him to serve as president of the former French colony.

"We took responsibility yesterd

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