Army-backed leader cements grip in Madagascar

[CHIMO]

Source: Reuters

ANTANANARIVO — Madagascar's new President, Andry Rajoelina, celebrated and consolidated power on Wednesday after being appointed by the Indian Ocean island's military in a move drawing international disapproval.

Mr. Rajoelina, a 34-year-old former disc jockey who is now the youngest and newest president in Africa, partied with supporters in the street after meeting his ministers to plan strategy.

His priorities are anti-poverty programs expected by locals, handling international concern at his ascent to power and controlling some dissent in the armed forces.

“We will bring about the return to a normal life, to security and above all national reconciliation, which is at the heart of democracy,” he told several thousand supporters celebrating in the capital Antananarivo's May 13 square.


Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090318.wmadag0318/BNStory/International/home

[AnnieBW]

1. And changing the National Anthem to

"I Like to Move It, Move It..."

[OwnedByFerrets]

2. I didnt think anything lived there except cute little Lemurs

[davidinalameda]

3. I never thought about planning coups when I was 34

[Soylent Brice]

4. shit, i first thought about planning a coup when i was 20.

when W was elected.