ISTANBUL

Madagascar's interim President Col. Michael Randrianirina said the Indian Ocean nation is open to “win-win” partnerships with the international community.

“Madagascar is currently in a truly critical state, on the brink of disaster. So, this is the time when Madagascar needs the support and help of the international community,” Randrianirina told Sputnik Africa in his first international interview since assuming the presidency.

Last week, an elite military unit led by Randrianirina entered the presidential palace in the capital Antananarivo and declared taking power.

He was sworn in as president on Friday following weeks of anti-government protests against ousted President Andry Rajoelina.

There are reports Rajoelina was evacuated to France on a military plane after reaching a deal with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The coup leader expressed Madagascar’s readiness to engage not only with France, but also with the international community to “move forward hand in hand,” noting that this is not the time to abandon the country.

He said cooperation is vital for Madagascar, adding that talks with the Southern African Development Community will begin soon to avoid obstructing partnerships.

He said the nation’s main priority right now is energy and water, the issues that sparked the youth-led anti-government protests on Sept. 25.

“What we are going to do now is find a way, a partner who can help us in the short term and as quickly as possible,” he added.

Randrianirina said the Malagasy people were “happy” and “satisfied” with the change of power, as they observed the day after the shift.

“What we want is a total break with what we did before. A break with what happened before. A break with the past,” he said.

“It’s not really the end of an era, but it’s the beginning,” said Randrianirina, calling it the start of change, hope, rebuilding, and reform.