The leader of the coup in Madagascar, Michael Randrianirina, has taken the presidential oath.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as president of Madagascar on Friday, after taking power in a military coup, following protests led by youth. The military takeover was condemned by the United Nations and the African Union, which suspended Madagascar's membership.

The ousted president, Andry Rajoelina, fled Madagascar, claiming that his life is in danger, after which he was dismissed in absentia on Tuesday, before Randrianirina announced the military takeover.