Madagascar is set Friday to swear in an army colonel as president, just days after a military power grab that sent President Andry Rajoelina fleeing and raised international alarm about a new coup on the island.

The country's highest court was expected to formalise the appointment of Colonel Michael Randrianirina in a ceremony at 9:00 am (06H00 GMT), capping a dramatic week in which Rajoelina was impeached for desertion of duty on Tuesday, with the military stepping in.

Amid international criticism, including from the United Nations, Randrianirina denied he had initiated a coup, pointing to the constitutional court's backing of his new role.

The 51-year-old commander of the CAPSAT unit has pledged elections in 18 to 24 months and told local media that consultations were under way to app

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