afrol News, 1 April - 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.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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