A colonel in Madagascar's elite military unit has announced the armed forces are taking control. Photo: AP PHOTO

Madagascar's military has taken charge of the Indian Ocean island, an army colonel says, after President Andry Rajoelina fled abroad during a stand-off with youth-led protesters and security forces.

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"We have taken the power," Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led a mutiny of soldiers joining anti-government Gen Z demonstrators, said on state radio.

Randrianirina added that the military was dissolving all institutions except the lower house of parliament or National Asse

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