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Fri, 03/22/2024 - 10:37
Submitted by nhathong on Wed, 03/18/2009 - 10:29
Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana resigned on March 17, diplomats said, bowing to the inevitable after the army blasted its way into his offices and let the opposition leader take control.

Diplomats said on condition of anonymity that the 59-year-old Ravalomanana signed a document transferring authority over the Indian Ocean island to a board of high-ranking military officials.

The move marked a dramatic victory for Andry Rajoelina, the sacked mayor of Antanarivo who has been leading a months-long push to topple Ravalomanana after seven years as president.

Rajoelina was cheered by thousands of supporters and saluted by the army as he took over a deserted presidency, while his long-time rival was holed up in the presidential palace with a handful of diehard loyalists.

The 34-year-old Rajoelina was already behaving like the country’s new ruler when he entered the deserted presidential compound in the city centre in the wake of spectacular night-time assault backed by around 100 tanks.

Ravalomanana’s whereabouts following his resignation were not immediately clear but speculation has abounded for days that he might flee into exile.

Most of his family already left when he lost control of the army last week.

VNS/VOVNews

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