Weeks of nationwide Gen-Z protests in Madagascar sparked by power and water shortages escalated and led to a military coup that forced President Andry Rajoelina into exile.

Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar’s new president on Friday, cementing his hold on power after a military takeover.

He succeeds ousted President Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country and was later impeached following weeks of youth-led protests demanding greater accountability from his government.