MADAGASCAR – Madagascar’s military coup leader Colonel Micheal Randrianirina was on Friday sworn in as president before the High Constitutional Court in the capital Antananarivo.

Taking the oath of office, Col. Micheal Randrianirina said in the court chambers: “I will fully, completely, and justly fulfill the high responsibilities of my position as president of the republic of Madagascar. I swear that I will exercise the power entrusted to me and dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights.”

On Thursday, he said that he was ready for dialogue with African Union, a day after the bloc suspended the country’s membership.

“The decision was expected. (But) from now on, there will be behind-the-scenes negotiations. We will see how things unfold,” he told a news conference.

Randrianirina said he was going to be sworn in as president on Friday at a ceremony to be conducted by the High Constitutional Court in the capital, Antananarivo.

However, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres the same day condemned what he termed the unconstitutional change of government in the island country, calling for a return to constitutional order and the rule of law.

“The secretary-general encourages all Malagasy stakeholders, including the youth, to work together to address the underlying causes of instability,” said a statement issued by his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, adding that Guterres had also taken note of the country’s suspension by the African Union.

Rajoelina, who was impeached by lawmakers this week after fleeing the country, citing his fear of assassination amid weeks of youth-led protests and a military rebellion, equally condemned Randrianirina’s takeover, which stemmed from weeks of Gen-Z protests asking him to step down, an act he declined.