Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, who led the military junta that took power in the country after several weeks of youth protests, will be sworn in this Friday (17) as President of Madagascar.

A statement issued by the ousted president, Andry Rajoelina, confirmed for the first time that he had left the country.

In a statement quoted by RFIclose to the ousted president, Andry Rajoelina, confirm that he "left the country" between October 11 and 12, after being the target of "explicit and extremely serious threats against his life".

Madagascar is preparing for the inauguration of its new President today: a military man who denies having carried out a coup d'état after three weeks of youth protests against the lack of water and electricity.

A long-time critic of power, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina was imprisoned for several months from November 2023, accused of instigating riots to stage a coup d'état. Madagascar has a long history of popular uprisings followed by the establishment of military governments.

The ousted president himself, Andry Rajoelina, came to power in 2009 in similar conditions. This is one of the poorest countries on the planet. At least 80% of the 32 million inhabitants live on less than 2.80 euros a day.

(Photo DR)