Madagascar's top court invites army colonel to serve as president after power grab

Colonel Michael Randrianirina addresses protesters gathered outside the town hall on Independence Avenue during a nationwide youth-led demonstration against frequent power outages and water shortages, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, October 14, 2025. REUTERS/Zo Andrianjafy

NAIROBI (Reuters) -Madagascar's top court on Tuesday invited Colonel Michael Randrianirina, an army commander who declared the military had taken power after leading a mutiny backing Gen Z demonstrators, to serve as the country's new president.

The court said on its website that it took the decision because President Andry Rajoelina was unable to perform his duties and had left the country after widespread military defections in support of the protesters.

It asked Randrianirina to organise new elections within 60 days.

(Reporting by Lovasoa Rabary; writing by Ammu Kannampilly, editing by Silvia Aloisi)