Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of the elite Capsat military unit, read a statement on national radio saying: “We have taken the power” at 15h54.
Capsat defied the president’s authority during the weekend, unexpectedly joining forces with the protesters who have been demanding presidwnt Andry Rajoelina resign.
He said Capsat will create a committee with officers from the army, gendarmerie and national police.
“Perhaps in time it will include senior civilian advisers. It is this committee that will carry out the work of the presidency,” Randrianirina is quoted by the AFP news agency as saying.
“At the same time, after a few days, we will set up a civilian government.”
The head of the elite unit that says it has seized power in Madagascar has announced that it would be suspending all constitutional institutions except the lower house of parliament, which earlier voted to impeach the president.
This includes the senate, the constitutional court and the electoral commission, the Reuters news agency reports.
Capsat, the military unit which says it has ousted president Rajoelina, was instrumental in him becoming president in the first place.
In 2009, Capsat supported Rajoelina when he seized power from then president Marc Ravalomanana. Now, it has turned on him following mass protests against his rule.
“We will form a government and reach consensus,” Randrianirina has told reporters in Madagascar after announcing that his elite unit, Capsat, had seized power.
Asked if they would hold elections, he replied: “Of course.”
This will happen within the next “18 months to two years”, he said.
The Capsat chief said Gen Z Mada protesters would be part of the changes because “the movement was created in the streets so we have to respect their demands”.
He said he and his fellow officers had no choice but to unseat the current regime.
“There is no president, there is no government, nothing here works.”
Local media are reporting that the constitutional court in Madagascar has confirmed the leadership of Randrianirina.
The court also confirms vacancies in the office of the president and the president of the senate.
The court took the decision despite the fact that the military has announced the suspension of its activities.
Earlier, the national assembly – the lower house of parliament – voted to impeach president Rajoelina, accusing him of desertion of duty.
– BBC live updates
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