African Union suspends Madagascar as military leader set to be sworn in as president

Army assumed power after parliament voted to impeach Andry Rajoelina following widespread protests

Madagascar's new military ruler will be sworn in as the country's president on Friday, the military said on Wednesday, as the African Union suspended the island nation after a coup that ousted President Andry Rajoelina.

The Indian Ocean nation has been plunged into its worst political upheaval in years after the elite Capsat army unit assumed power on Tuesday, moments after parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina, who appeared to have fled the country as street protests escalated.