Antananarivo, Oct 17 (V7N) — Former President Andry Rajoelina has fled Madagascar amid widespread Gen-G protests, and Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new president of the island nation.

The oath-taking ceremony took place on Friday (October 17), with the new president pledging to carry out his duties “with complete fairness and responsibility.” The move follows a significant portion of the country’s security forces throwing their support behind him.

Meanwhile, Madagascar’s highest constitutional court has legalized the transition of power, effectively endorsing the coup.

The political unrest comes amid severe economic challenges. Approximately three-quarters of Madagascar’s population live below the poverty line, and the World Bank reports that the country’s per capita GDP has declined by 45% between independence in 1960 and 2020.

Former President Rajoelina was forced out of power after weeks of nationwide protests organized under the Gen-G movement, which demanded significant reforms to address corruption, inequality, and governance issues.

Colonel Randrianirina now faces the daunting task of stabilizing a country struggling with both economic hardship and political unrest.

END/SMA/AJ