United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the "unconstitutional change of government" in Madagascar on Thursday and called for the restoration of the rule of law in the country.

During a press conference, Guterres' spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, said: "The Secretary-General condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar and calls for the restoration of constitutional order and the rule of law."

Stéphane Dujarric said that the SG welcomed the African Union's decision to suspend Madagascar from the organization.

Meanwhile, the country's new military leader, Michael Randrianirina, maintained that what had happened in recent days "was not a coup d'état", since President Andry Rajoelina had already fled the country. 

"A coup d'état is when soldiers enter the presidential palace with guns. They shoot. There is bloodshed (...) That is not a coup d'état," Colonel Randrianirina told the press on Thursday, adding that he is due to be sworn in today, Friday.

He promised to form a government composed mostly of civilians.