The Latest Breaking News from Madagascar

The youth-led protests that eventually brought down Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina were sparked, in part, by his attempt to use large-scale urban infrastructure projects as a means of consolidating power.

What began in late September as Madagascar’s student demonstrations over crippling electricity outages and water shortages quickly evolved into broader demands for political reform. It became a call to dismantle a system widely seen as corrupt and unaccountable, and for President Andry Rajoelina to resign.

There is jubilation in Place du 13 Mai in the capital but concern about army’s intentions after military takeover

Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as president of Madagascar on Friday, three days after the army seized power following mass protests that forced former leader Andry Rajoelina to flee the country.

An army colonel who seized power in a military coup is set to be sworn in as Madagascar’s new leader in a lightning-fast power grab that ousted the president and sent him fleeing from the country into hiding

Madagascar is set Friday to swear in an army colonel as president, just days after a military power grab that sent President Andry Rajoelina fleeing and raised international alarm about a new coup on the island.

Those who rise to power through a coup often fall by the same means.

Madagascar's new leader insisted Thursday that a military power grab after the army joined weeks of demonstrations was "not a coup", as ousted President Andry Rajoelina confirmed he had fled the country days earlier.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led a coup in Madagascar, will serve as president for up to two years before holding elections. The African Union has suspended the country's membership in the bloc.