New Delhi, Oct. 18 -- A little-known army colonel became Madagascar's president Friday after a rapid power grab that saw him sworn in as his country's leader six days after launching a military coup.

Here's what to know about Col. Michael Randrianirina, who seized power following weeks of large anti-government protests by mainly young people:

A former governor

He is from the southern region of Androy - one of Madagascar's poorest - and he served as its governor between 2016 and 2018. Before that, he was the commander of an infantry battalion in the neighboring Atsimo-Andrefana region.

He has long been a vocal critic of Andry Rajoelina, the Madagascar president he ousted in a coup this week.

Arrested for attempted mutiny

Randrianirin...