Madagascar's National Assembly member Mamy Rabenirina says the rise of military leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina as President marks "the beginning of freedom."
Randrianirina was sworn in at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, where large crowds gathered to witness the ceremony.
He takes over from ousted President Andry Rajoelina , who fled the country and was later impeached after weeks of youth-led protests demanding accountability from his administration.