Madagascar’s new military leader, Michael Randrianirina , announced on Wednesday that he would soon take oath as the country’s president, following a coup that removed President Andry Rajoelina. In response, the African Union has suspended the island nation.

Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers after fleeing abroad during 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 said earlier that the military had 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 serv

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