Rajoelina Appoints New PM as Incumbent Digs In

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed a new Prime Minister despite the refusal by the current hardline Prime Minister, Monja Roindefo, to step down.

Rajoelina appointed Eugene Mangalaza, a university professor, to serve as prime minister in a new interim government.

Roindefo has declined to leave office, terming the recently crafted power-sharing deal invalid since it has not yet been signed by Rajoelina and ousted President Marc Ravalomanana. Last week, Ravalomanana rejected the new power-sharing deal since it allowed Rajoelina to retain the presidency.

Government ministers have meanwhile issued a joint statement in support of Rajoelina’s decision to replace Roindefo.

Madagascar’s political crisis began when Rajoelina forced President Ravalomanana to resign in March using military backed street protests that claimed 140 lives. [ER].