AN ARMY colonel who seized power in a military coup was sworn in as Madagascar’s new leader today in a lightning-fast power grab that ousted the president and sent him fleeing from the country into hiding.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the commander of an elite army unit, took the oath of office to become the new president at a ceremony in the main chamber of the nation’s High Constitutional Court.

His ascent to the presidency came just three days after he announced that the armed forces were taking power in the sprawling Indian Ocean island of around 30 million people off Africa’s east coast.

The military takeover came after three weeks of anti-government protests by mainly young people against restrictions to water and electricity as well as the country’s failing economy, which has left around 75 per cent in deep poverty.

The takeover has been condemned by the United Nations and led to Madagascar being suspended from the African Union.

President Andry Rajoelina’s whereabouts are unknown after he fled the country.

In his absence, President Rajoelina was impeached by parliament on Tuesday right before the colonel announced the military was taking power.

Colonel Randrianirina has said Madagascar will be run by a military council with him as president for between 18 months and two years before any new elections.