A little-known army colonel became Madagascar’s president on Friday after a rapid power grab. He was sworn in as his country’s leader six days after launching a military coup.

Groups of Madagascar soldiers joined thousands of protestors in the capital Saturday, AFP reporters said, after announcing they would refuse any orders to shoot demonstrators.

The contingent that, early in the morning, urged the security forces to ‘refuse to fire’ and ‘take responsibility’ took up positions in the centre of the capital. By late afternoon, President Andry Rajoelina’s situation was uncertain.

The head of an elite Madagascar military unit ousted the African island country’s president in a coup, capping weeks of youth-led protests over poverty and other issues.

Madagascar's military seized power from the civilian government Tuesday, a high-ranking commander announced after President Andry Rajoelina fled the sprawling Indian Ocean island country for his safety.