Madagascars new military ruler, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, said he will be sworn in as president on Friday and was open to talks with the African Union, after it suspended the countrys membership following a coup to oust President Andry Rajoelina.
Rajoelina, whom lawmakers impeached after he fled abroad during the weekend, has condemned the takeover and refused to step down despite youth-led Gen Z protests asking him to quit and widespread defections in the security forces.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina will be sworn in as the President for the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar during a formal hearing, Randrianirina said in a statement late on Wednesday, adding that the High Constitutional Court would perform the ceremony.
The African Union announced on Wednesday that the bloc had suspended Madagascar with immediate effect following the coup and called for the restoration of civilian-led governance as well as elections.
