Weeks of youth protests against the regime in Madagascar and against corruption, unemployment and electricity and water shortages have paralyzed parts of the island nation in the Indian Ocean. On Tuesday, the development took a dramatic turn when the military took power in a coup.
We were forced to take our responsibility yesterday, because there was nothing left of the nation: no president, no speaker of parliament, no government, said Colonel Randrianirina in an interview with the news agency AP on Wednesday.
No timeframe
He stated that a new prime minister will be appointed as soon as possible, without giving any hints about the timeframe for a new government to be formed in Madagascar.
What I can say is that we are already getting started so that the crisis does not last forever.
The coup was carried out almost at the same time as the national assembly in the capital Antananarivo voted to bring the then president Andry Rajoelina before the high court. He is believed to have fled the country, according to reports with French help.
The African Union (AU) decided on Wednesday to immediately suspend Madagascar from the cooperation organization. The temporary suspension is part of the AU's stance on not tolerating coups in member countries.
In a statement from the French Foreign Ministry, Madagascar's military junta - and other parties to the conflict - were urged to "restraint and responsibility", and that it is important for the country to maintain democratic values.
Listen to the young
The hopes of the young population "for a better, more just and dignified life must be taken into account", notes the French Foreign Ministry:
"It is crucial that democracy, fundamental freedoms, law and order are maintained", continued the former colonial nation France.
Madagascar became independent in the summer of 1960.
The new leader Randrianirina belongs to Madagascar's military elite unit, which has also played a role in previous coups.
