Overview
- The High Constitutional Court is due to formalize Colonel Michael Randrianirina’s appointment on Friday after lawmakers impeached President Andry Rajoelina following his flight from the country.
- The African Union imposed an immediate suspension and the United Nations condemned an unconstitutional change of power, while regional blocs sent fact‑finding and mediation teams that Randrianirina said he is ready to engage.
- Randrianirina outlined an 18 to 24 month transition run by a military‑led committee alongside a civilian government, with a prime minister to be appointed before elections are organized.
- The colonel insisted the takeover is lawful rather than a coup, citing the top court’s backing and pledging that civilians will lead day‑to‑day governance under a mixed presidential council.
- Rajoelina confirmed he fled on Oct 11–12 citing threats to his life, with media reports saying he was evacuated on a French military plane and is believed by diplomatic and opposition sources to be in Dubai.