Leader of Madagascar's military rebellion says he is 'taking the position of president’

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina said he has fled the country in fear for his life following a military rebellion but did not announce his resignation.

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar —The leader of Madagascar's military rebellion said Wednesday that he is "taking the position of president" in an interview with The Associated Press, adding that armed forces would be in charge of the Indian Ocean island for between 18 months and two years before any new elections are held.

Col. Michael Randrianirina, who led a mutiny by soldiers that ousted President Andry Rajoelina, said 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 in an interview while flanked by other military 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, capping weeks of protests against Rajoelina and his government by mainly youth groups calling themselves "Gen Z Madagascar."

Madagascar’s president ousted in latest Gen Z protest to spur government upheaval03:28The anti-government protests reached a turning point on Saturday when Randrianirina and soldiers from his elite CAPSAT military unit rebelled against Rajoelina and joined demonstrations calling for the president to step down, forcing Rajoelina to flee the country.