Madagascar Coup Leader Michael Randrianirina Sworn In as President Amidst Political Turmoil

Presidential Inauguration Amidst Coup

• 🎤 Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new President of Madagascar following a military takeover.
• 🗓️ The inauguration occurred days after the military seized control amid youth-led protests that ousted the previous president.
• 🌍 The African Union and the United Nations have condemned the coup.

Political Transition and Concerns

• ⚖️ The High Constitutional Court ratified the army's takeover shortly after it happened.
• 📅 Randrianirina stated that a military-led committee will govern for up to two years, alongside a transitional government, before new elections are organized.
• 📉 A senior lecturer expressed skepticism, noting the situation has the hallmarks of a coup and warning of risks to investors and the country's rebuilding if the transition is not managed well.

Economic and Social Challenges

• poverty and an average income of around $600 a month.
• 📉 The World Bank indicates that Madagascar's GDP per capita has plummeted by nearly half since its independence in 1960, making it one of the few nations to have become poorer over that period.
• ⚠️ The country faces significant challenges due to its young population and widespread poverty.