A little-known army colonel became Madagascar’s president after a rapid power grab that saw him sworn in as his country’s leader just days after launching a military coup. Here’s what to know about Col. Michael Randrianirina, who seized power following weeks of large anti-government protests by mainly young people: He is from the southern region of Androy — one of Madagascar’s poorest — and he served as its governor between 2016 and 2018. Before that, he was the commander of an infantry battalion in the neighboring Atsimo-Andrefana region. He has long been a vocal critic of Andry Rajoelina, the Madagascar president he just ousted. Randrianirina’s military coup has been condemned by the United Nations and by the African Union. For a deeper perspective on the rapidly unfolding events, Angela Diffley welcomes Dr. Alex Vines, Africa Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).
This story originally appeared on France24
'Putschist playbook': Seize power, promise elections following two-year transition, postpone polls
