Madagascar coup leader sworn is as president, promises new elections within two years

An army colonel who seized power in a military coup was sworn in as Madagascar’s new leader on Friday.

Col. Michael Randrianirina, the commander of an elite army unit, took the oath of office to become the new president at a ceremony in the main chamber of the nation’s High Constitutional Court.

In his inaugural speech, he promised to “respect and safeguard” the constitution and the rule of law.

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