Madagascar’s military leader, Col. Michael Randrianirina, announced Wednesday that he is “taking the position of president” following a coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina.

Randrianirina said he expects to be sworn in soon after the High Constitutional Court invited him to assume leadership while Rajoelina fled for his safety amid the uprising.

The takeover follows weeks of youth-led protests over government failures, with Randrianirina promising to quickly appoint a new prime minister and form a government.

Rajoelina has denounced the move as an illegal coup, and analysts have urged the African Union and international community not to recognize the military leadership, the AP has reported.

Madagascar has a history of coups and political instability, compounded by persistent poverty and infrastructure challenges.