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Army Colonel Sworn In as Madagascar’s New President After Military Coup
Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in Friday as Madagascar’s new president, two days after leading a military coup that ousted longtime leader Andry Rajoelina. The ceremony, held at the High Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, marked the beginning of military rule in the island nation for the first time in more than a decade.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Randrianirina, wearing a dark uniform and surrounded by senior officers, took the oath of office under tight security. In his first speech as president, he promised to restore stability and unity to a country shaken by weeks of protests.
“I will dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights,” Randrianirina said. “This is a historic turning point for Madagascar.”
The military takeover followed weeks of demonstrations over power cuts, unemployment, corruption, and rising living costs. Young people—many calling themselves “Gen Z Madagascar”—led the protests, demanding better governance and economic opportunity.
Coup and Political Upheaval
Tensions escalated earlier this week when parts of the military defected and refused to suppress protesters. Randrianirina’s elite CAPSAT unit took control of key government buildings on Tuesday, forcing Rajoelina to flee the country.
Within hours, the National Assembly voted to impeach Rajoelina, accusing him of abandoning his duties and failing to address the country’s mounting crises. Randrianirina then announced the dissolution of state institutions, except for parliament, and declared a two-year transitional government under military supervision.
“We are not here to seize power for ourselves,” Randrianirina told reporters. “We are here to rebuild a nation that has been neglected.”
Reactions From the Region and Abroad
The international community quickly condemned the power grab. The African Union suspended Madagascar’s membership, calling the coup unconstitutional and demanding an immediate return to civilian rule.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also denounced the move, urging all parties to “respect democratic norms and the rule of law.”
Neighboring African governments expressed concern that the coup could set a dangerous precedent in the region, where several countries have faced similar takeovers in recent years.
Public Response and Growing Uncertainty
In the capital, some residents celebrated the new leadership, expressing hope that the army might bring order after years of political instability. Others, however, feared that the military’s promises could fade once it consolidates power.
“I hope this means real change,” said Riana, a 28-year-old protester. “But we’ve heard promises before. We need jobs, electricity, and honest leaders.”
Madagascar has struggled with political turmoil since gaining independence from France in 1960. The country experienced coups in 1975, 1991, 2002, and 2009—when Rajoelina himself seized power as a young mayor backed by the military.
Economically, the country faces deep poverty, food insecurity, and limited foreign investment. Analysts warn that sanctions or aid cuts following the coup could worsen these challenges.
Randrianirina said his transitional government will prepare new elections “within 18 to 24 months.” However, no clear timeline or process has been set. Opposition parties and civil groups have urged the army to quickly hand over power to a civilian administration.
International observers say the coming months will test whether the new regime will respect its commitments or extend its rule.
“The real measure of this transition will be how it handles democracy,” said an African Union official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Madagascar has seen many takeovers, but its people are demanding lasting reform this time.”
For now, calm has returned to the streets of Antananarivo, but uncertainty looms. Many Madagascans remain hopeful yet cautious as their country begins another uncertain chapter under military rule.
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Real Madrid In Trouble As Vinicius Junior Is Hit With Shock Four-Game Suspension.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has been handed a four-match suspension after being found guilty of pulling an opponent’s hair and aggressively confronting the referee during his team’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The 26-year-old Brazilian winger was sent off in the 73rd minute of Saturday’s encounter after grabbing and pulling the hair of Villarreal player Nathan Saliba while the two were running down the pitch.
Vinicius had earlier found the back of the net, but his goal was disallowed.
The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee announced the suspension shortly before Real Madrid’s Champions League fixture against Roma on Wednesday.
According to the committee, the Brazilian received a two-match ban for the hair-pulling incident, while an additional two-match suspension was imposed over his conduct towards the referee following his dismissal.
In his match report, referee Isidro Díaz de Mera stated that Vinicius protested the red card by raising his voice and approaching him aggressively. The official also noted that the forward had to be restrained by his teammates.
The punishment means Vinicius will miss several important domestic fixtures, including Real Madrid’s home clash against Sevilla on Sunday and the highly anticipated El Clasico against Barcelona the following week.
He will also be unavailable for the club’s away matches against Racing Santander and Valencia.
Vinicius’ absence from the Barcelona showdown represents a significant setback for Real Madrid, given his importance to the team’s attacking strength.
The four-game suspension leaves the Spanish giants without one of their leading forwards during a crucial stage of their domestic campaign.
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Political Shift Ahead Of 2027: Pro-Tinubu Group Picks Ex-Obidient Organiser For Top Position.
The Tinubu Must Stay Movement (TMS) has appointed Marcel Ngogbehei as Director-General of its alliance with the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration (DMI), citing his extensive experience in Nigeria’s public sector and the United Kingdom.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The appointment was announced by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Convener of the Tinubu Must Stay Movement.
Abdullahi described Ngogbehei as a trusted associate whose leadership qualities and professional competence he had known for more than two decades.
“I have known Marcel for over 25 years. We have worked together, faced difficult challenges together and delivered results together. I know his character, I know his ability, and I trust him to deliver,” Abdullahi said.
He explained that the decision was based on Ngogbehei’s professional background, understanding of public institutions and ability to foster collaboration among different stakeholders.
Abdullahi recalled that they worked together at Galaxy Backbone Plc and subsequently at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where they contributed to the development and implementation of several major technology initiatives.
Among the projects he highlighted were the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), the Government Data Center, the CBN Cashless Policy and the establishment of the bank’s Enterprise Architecture function.
According to Abdullahi, the Enterprise Architecture initiative helped the CBN achieve savings exceeding $1 million.
“These were not just technology projects. They were about making government systems work better, reducing waste, improving efficiency and building institutions that serve Nigerians,” he said.
On the political objectives of the alliance, the Tinubu Must Stay Movement questioned whether opposition parties had presented sufficiently detailed and convincing proposals for tackling Nigeria’s major challenges.
The movement argued that criticism of government policies should be accompanied by practical alternatives that Nigerians could assess.
“Nigerians are tired of promises without clear plans. If you say the government is wrong, tell the people what you will do better. How will you create jobs? How will you reduce the cost of living? How will you improve electricity, schools and hospitals? And where will the money come from?” the group stated.
However, the movement acknowledged that the Tinubu administration should also be held accountable for its performance.
“President Tinubu must be judged [by] the complexity of the problem he inherited and by what his government delivers. The opposition must also be judged by the solutions it offers. Nigerians deserve answers from both sides,” it added.
The group said its position was intended to promote informed discussions on public policies, government spending and their impact on ordinary Nigerians.
Abdullahi noted that Ngogbehei’s appointment came as the alliance continued to establish its organisational structures and define its programmes.
In his new role, Ngogbehei is expected to oversee organisational coordination, grassroots mobilisation and civic-accountability initiatives.
The alliance disclosed that its activities would include public discussions on government performance, assessments of alternative policy proposals and engagement with communities across the country.
Ngogbehei holds a degree in Computer and Electronics Engineering from Lagos State University and attended the Sloan programme at London Business School.
His professional experience includes senior technology roles at Galaxy Backbone Plc and the Central Bank of Nigeria, as well as leadership responsibilities on key projects within the United Kingdom Civil Service.
Beyond his professional career, Ngogbehei played an organisational role in the mobilisation efforts surrounding Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign.
He served as Director of Strategy at the Peter Obi Support Network before becoming Chairman of the Coalition for Peter Obi (CPO).
In those positions, he participated in nationwide grassroots mobilisation, voter-registration advocacy and the organisation of the 2022 Labour Party/CPO Leadership Summit in Abuja.
He later became Director-General of the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, where his activities focused on grassroots coordination, citizen participation and organisational development.
entertainment
Sad News Rocks Gospel Music Industry As Family Announces Popular Singer’s Death.
The family of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has officially confirmed his death.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the family announced the tragic news on Wednesday night in a statement published on the singer’s Instagram account, revealing that he died in the early hours of Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
The statement identified the deceased as Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji of the Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM), describing him as a cherished husband, family member and gospel minister.
The family expressed profound sadness over his passing and appealed to the public to remember his wife and other loved ones in their prayers during this difficult period.
The statement read, “With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM), who passed away in the early hours of 14 October 2026.
“A dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister.
“Please keep his wife, family, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.”
The family also disclosed that further information regarding the singer’s funeral arrangements would be made available in due course.
However, as of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding Toluwanisings’ death and the cause of his passing had not been officially disclosed.
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