Trending 
Madagascar’s coup leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who seized power earlier this month, has appointed businessman and consultant Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the country’s new prime minister. The announcement came on Monday, just days after Randrianirina was sworn in as president following youth-led demonstrations that toppled his predecessor.
In a statement explaining his decision, Randrianirina said he selected Rajaonarivelo for his professional experience and “connections with the international organisations that work with us.”
The president has pledged that the military will govern alongside a civilian administration for up to two years before fresh elections are held.
Former leader Andry Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers after fleeing abroad last weekend, has denounced the military takeover. Despite the defection of several security officials and the swift ratification of the coup by the High Constitutional Court, Rajoelina has refused to relinquish his claim to power while in exile.
