Col Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new president of Madagascar days after a military takeover on the Indian Ocean nation.
He swapped his fatigues for a suit and thanked the young people who took to the streets for weeks of protests that prompted President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country and led to his impeachment.
The ceremony took place at the Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo, where a large crowd gathered to watch - including those who spearheaded the demonstrations.
Today marks a historic turning-point for our country. With a people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change... we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation, he said.
Formerly a French colony, Madagascar now enters a transitional period filled with political obstacles and legal uncertainty, though there is cautious optimism about Col Randrianirina's leadership.
Constitutional Court president Florent Rakotoarisoa criticized the international community for describing the situation in Madagascar as a coup, denying constitutional violations while blaming the governing framework for the crisis.
The protests led by the youth movement Gen Z Mada, propelled by dissatisfaction with power and water shortages, sought a democratic transition, ultimately leading to President Rajoelina's downfall.
Randrianirina, previously in charge of the elite CAPSAT army unit, assured the demonstrators of a two-year timeline for new elections and emphasized the need for investigating the national power and water utility company, Jirama, outlining his commitment to major social reforms.
Amidst this political upheaval, discussions with Russian officials hint at a potential shift in international relations, indicating possible warmer ties and foreign cooperation in the future.
