The United Nations chief on Thursday (October 16, 2025) condemned the military takeover in Madagascar as an Army colonel who led the coup was set to be quickly sworn in as President just three days after announcing soldiers had taken charge.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres “condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar and calls for the return to constitutional order and the rule of law”, his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said.

Col. Michael Randrianirina is due to be sworn in as Madagascar’s leader at a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court on Friday (October 17, 2025), according to a statement by the Colonel, which he signed as the President of the “refounded” republic of Madagascar.

Ousted President Andry Rajoelina fled the Indian Ocean nation off the east coast of Africa following the military rebellion, claiming his life was in danger. His whereabouts are unknown.

Madagascar has been suspended from the African Union, which said it “totally rejects” the takeover.

Mr. Randrianirina announced on Tuesday (October 14, 2025) that the armed forces were taking control after three weeks of deadly anti-government protests led mainly by disaffected young people, who have railed against government service failures, poverty and a lack of opportunities while accusing the elite of corruption and nepotism.

The protesters have mobilised under the title “Gen Z Madagascar”, and their uprising echoed youth-led protest movements that have toppled leaders in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Mr. Randrianirina and soldiers from his elite CAPSAT military unit rebelled against Rajoelina and joined the protests last weekend. Other military units also turned against Rajoelina after CAPSAT’s defection.

Mr. Randrianirina said a council made up of military officers would be in charge of the country with him as President for up to two years before new elections are held.

Madagascar, a nation of around 30 million (3 crore), has struggled with poverty, drought, hunger, and political instability since gaining independence from France in 1960.

There have been several coups and attempted coups, including a military takeover in 2009 that first brought Rajoelina to power. Then, the Army handed power to Rajoelina, who was in charge as president of a transitional government for five years before new elections.

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina said on Monday (September 29, 2025) that he was dissolving the government following youth-led protests over water and power cuts in which the United Nations says at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured.

Inspired by the so-called “Gen Z” protests in Kenya and Nepal, the three days of demonstrations are the largest the Indian Ocean island has seen in years, and the most serious challenge Mr. Rajoelina has faced since his re-election in 2023.

“We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them,” Mr. Rajoelina said in a televised speech.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the casualties include protesters and bystanders killed by members of the security forces, but also others killed in subsequent widespread violence and looting by individuals and gangs not associated with the protesters.