Leader of Madagascar's military coup says he'll assume presidency

Youth protesters who helped topple the government appear to support the move.

- BRIAN INGANGA, NQOBILE NTSHANGASE AND GERALD IMRAY

A MEMBER of an elite military unit in Madagascar guards its base. Its leader is Col. Michael Randrianirina.

The leader of Madagascar’s military coup told the Associated Press on Wednesday that he is “taking the position of president” and that the armed forces would be in charge of the African island nation for up to two years before any elections are held.

Col. Michael Randrianirina, who led the rebellion that ousted President Andry Rajoelina on Tuesday after weeks of youth-led protests, said in his first interview with a global news outlet since taking power that he expects to be sworn in as the country's new leader in the next few days.

"There must be an oath-taking" to make his position official, Randrianirina said at his unit's barracks while flanked by fellow officers. "We are staying here for at least 18 months, at most two years."

Randrianirina announced Tuesday that the armed forces were taking power in Madagascar, a sprawling country of about 30 million people off of Africa's east coast that is the world's leading vanilla producer and is known for its unique biodiversity. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, it also has had a history of coups and political crises.