Madagascar coup leader announces formation of national unity government
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led the military group that seized power in Madagascar on October 14, has announced plans to establish a government of national unity that will include civilian members.
The defense official confirmed that the formation of this inclusive government is imminent, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.
According to Randrianirina, the government will be formed after he is sworn in as president for the transitional period on October 17. He emphasized that Madagascar's regime change took place within the bounds of the law and was not a coup d’etat. The colonel pointed out that no violence was used and that no one stormed the presidential palace. He also announced the creation of a National Defense Council for the transitional period, which will include both servicemen and civilians. Randrianirina did not specify the functions and tasks of this body, nor those of a presidential council that was formed on October 15.
Randrianirina said that there were no plans to hold early general elections. According to him, the election commission must first be reformed, and the voter lists must be updated, to ensure a transparent and fair voting process.
He emphasized that the top priority of the new government is to address the social demands of the population, those emphasized in the protests that led to the ousting of President Andry Rajoelina. Randrianirina considered the African Union's decision to suspend Madagascar's membership the day before as a "normal reaction" in such a situation. According to him, discussions with the association have already begun, and a delegation from the Southern African Development Community is expected to arrive in the country on October 20.
Randrianirina is set to be sworn in as president of Madagascar on October 17 for a transitional period until new elections are held. Rajoelina has declared these steps illegitimate.
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