Military leaders in Madagascar say
they have handed power to opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, ending a
months-long power struggle in the country.
Navy Vice-Admiral Hyppolite Ramaroson told reporters Tuesday that the military
gives Rajoelina full powers to become president of a transitional authority.
Hours earlier, President Marc Ravalomanana resigned from his post. He had asked
the military to form a government, but top military officials rejected the
idea.
For weeks, opposition leader Rajoelina has led protests against Ravalomanana
and proclaimed himself in charge of the island nation.
The current whereabouts of now former president Ravalomanana are unknown. He
was at his official residence on the outskirts of the capital when troops
seized the palace on Monday.