African Union suspends Madagascar membership

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-21-2009 16:19

The African Union has suspended Madagascar membership in the strongest condemnation by the international community since opposition leader Andry Rajoelina took power with the support of the army.

Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, seen here  at a rally in Antananarivo on March 18, has taken over as  Madagascar interim president. Madagascar was suspended from the African Union and threatened with sanctions Friday, days after the army-backed toppling of the president, as the new  government insisted no coup had taken place. (AFP/File/Alexander Joe)

Weeks of political unrest in Madagascar have resulted in at least 135 deaths, devastated the economy and worried foreign investors. The African Union's peace and security council says the change of government in Madagascar was unconstitutional.

The AU says Madagascar's new administration must call an election within six months, and not the two years offered by its new president. If it does not comply, the AU will consider imposing sanctions on the country's leaders.

Editor:Zhang Ning