The African Union (AU) has suspended Madagascar after the military takeover that ousted President Andry Rajoelina.

Madagascar’s constitutional court on Tuesday announced Michael Randrianirina, commander of the elite army unit CAPSAT, as the country’s new leader after declaring Rajoelina’s seat vacant.

Rajoelina reportedly fled the country on Sunday after units of the army defected and joined the weeks-long youth-led protests.

After claiming control of the Indian Ocean country, Randrianirina suspended all constitutional institutions, including the senate, the constitutional court, and the electoral commission.

He spared the lower house of parliament, which earlier voted to impeach the president.

Rajoelina kicked against the move, saying his purported impeachment was “null and void”.

Speaking on Wednesday at the AU peace and security council session, Mahmoud Youssouf, chairperson of the commission, said the union had an unwavering respect for constitutional order and peaceful resolution of disputes.

Youssouf condemned the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar.

“The rule of law must prevail over the rule of force. Our approach is grounded in law and dialogue,” he said.

Citing an AU spokesperson, Reuters reported that the bloc had suspended Madagascar with immediate effect.

The spokesperson reportedly failed to share further details.

Randrianirina had said the military would rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organising new elections.

But the constitutional court asked him to organise polls in 60 days.