ANTANANARIVO - Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana resigned on Tuesday, diplomats said, bowing to the inevitable after the army blasted its way into his offices and let the opposition leader take control. Diplomats told AFP 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 order signed by Ravalomanana transfers the powers of the president and the prime minister to a military board,” said one diplomat.
A text message sent by the French consulate to the expatriate community read: “President resigns, risk of demonstrations. Remain cautious and avoid driving after dark.”
The proposed life span of military rule on the island and other details of the arrangement were not immediately known.
The 34-year-old Rajoelina was already behaving like the country’s new ruler however when he entered the deserted presidential compound in the city centre in the wake of a spectacular night-time assault by the army backed by around 100 tanks. “I solemnly declare that I will not spare any effort,” he said, proclaiming that the transitional authority he set up last month was in charge of the country’s affairs.
“We are now free but the road ahead remains rough,” he added, as Christian clerics conducted ceremonies in the presidential compound to mark the occasion.