Antananarivo: Madagascar’s political crisis deepened this week as Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of the country’s recent military takeover, announced he would be sworn in as president on Friday. The move comes just days after the military ousted President Andry Rajoelina, dissolved most state institutions, and suspended the constitution, drawing sharp criticism from international bodies.

Randrianirina, who commands the elite CAPSAT unit, declared that the military would oversee a transitional government lasting up to two years before organizing new elections. He said his actions were necessary to restore order after weeks of violent protests triggered by worsening power shortages, economic stagnation, and public frustration with the previous administration.

“I am taking the

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