ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — The United Nations chief on Thursday condemned the military takeover in Madagascar as an army colonel who led the coup was set to be quickly sworn in as president just three days after announcing soldiers had taken charge.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres “condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar and calls for the return to constitutional order and the rule of law,” his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said.

Col. Michael Randrianirina is due to be sworn in as Madagascar's leader at a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court on Friday, according to a statement by the colonel, which he signed as the president of the “refounded” republic of Madagascar.

Ousted President Andry Rajoelina fled the Indian Ocean nation off the east coast

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