African Union Suspends Madagascar as Military Leader Set to Be Sworn In as President
The African Union suspended Madagascar on Wednesday after the country's military assumed power following a coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina. The new military ruler, Col. Michael Randrianirina, is set to be sworn in as president on Friday.
According to sources, the elite Capsat army unit took control of the country on Tuesday, moments after parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina. The move was met with widespread protests, which escalated into violence. "The situation is chaotic," said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "We don't know what's going to happen next."
Rajoelina appeared to have fled the country as street protests intensified. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
Madagascar has been plunged into its worst political upheaval in years. The country's military has assumed power for the first time since 2020, following coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea. "This is a grave concern for us," said a spokesperson for the African Union. "We will be monitoring the situation closely."
The coup has significant implications for Madagascar's economy and international relations. The country relies heavily on foreign aid, which may be at risk if the African Union imposes sanctions.
Col. Randrianirina confirmed that he would be sworn in as president on Friday. "We are committed to restoring stability and order to our nation," he said in a statement.
The African Union has suspended Madagascar's membership pending further developments. The organization will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
In related news, the United States and European Union have issued statements condemning the coup and calling for calm. "We urge all parties to refrain from violence and to respect democratic principles," said a spokesperson for the US State Department.
The situation in Madagascar remains fluid, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces. The country's future hangs in the balance as the international community watches with bated breath.
Background: Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960. It has a long history of democratic instability, with several coups and power struggles since its independence. President Rajoelina was elected in 2019 but faced opposition from various factions within the government.
Additional perspectives:
"This is not a coup, it's a correction," said a supporter of Col. Randrianirina. "The president had failed to address the country's problems."
"We are concerned about the safety of our citizens and the stability of the region," said a spokesperson for the African Union.
Next developments:
The African Union will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
Col. Randrianirina is set to be sworn in as president on Friday.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with several countries issuing statements condemning the coup.
Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity throughout.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
