ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar: Madagascar’s new ruler told France 24 on Friday that he wanted former President Andry Rajoelina to stand trial for “crimes” including the shooting of demonstrators in unrest that led him to flee in October.
Col. Michael Randrianirina also said in an interview with the French broadcaster that he remained committed to a plan to call new elections in the Indian Ocean island within two years.
Col. Michael Randrianirina said his administration’s plan for Madagascar included a national consultation starting next week, followed by a constitutional referendum and elections within two years.
Youth-led demonstrations that started in September against persistent water and power shortages snowballed into a protest movement that the government tried to stop with a crackdown, which left many people dead and injured.
After Randrianirina’s CAPSAT army unit announced its support for the protesters on Oct. 14, Rajoelina fled with the help of French forces, and his whereabouts are still not known.
