- Madagascar's young president, Andry Rajoelina has reportedly pulled out of the regional body after the SADC leadership suspended the country on Monday.
The popular former DJ in Antananarivo made the announcement today after he reportedly consulted with the business leaders.
Reports said he told a gathering in the town of Fianarantsoa, some 410 kilometers south of the capital, about the decision to pull out of the regional bloc, claiming the business leaders were not initially consulted on the joining of SADC and had asked for help.
Mr Rajoelina also today announced his cabinet, which includes other members of the opposition parties, but left out politicians from the former president's party. He said the new cabinet will form part of the transitional government that will run the country until elections are held within two years, stamping his resolve to continue despite international scorn.
Meanwhile, supporters of former president Marc Ravalomanana have continued protests aimed at forcing the new administration to resinstate the deposed president. At the weekend some dozen people were reported injured when protestors clashed with police, but today's protest is said to have ended without any violence.
Mr Ravalomanana, who was accused by the opposition of running the country like his private business resigned on 17 March under pressure from mutinying soldiers and handed power to the top army council which instead transferred the presidency to Mr Rajoelina.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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