Ex-DJ Takes Over Madagascar

Military hands power to opposition leader after president steps down
Posted Mar 18, 2009 5:49 AM CDT
Ex-DJ Takes Over Madagascar
Supporters cheer opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as he parades through the narrow streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar Tuesday March 17, 2009.    (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Madagascar's military has handed control of the country over to youthful opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, the BBC reports. The 34-year-old former DJ—who installed himself in the president's office yesterday—promised elections within two years. President Marc Ravalomanana stepped down yesterday after a military raid on his palace, and officers say they rejected his offer to turn the country into a military directorate. (More Madagascar stories.)

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