Rajeolina Scraps Power-Sharing Deal

Madagascar's leader Andry Rajoelina has formally abandoned a power-sharing peace deal a day after appointing a military prime minister.

Col. Vital Albert Camille was named to replace consensus Prime Minister Eugene Mangalaza, who was sacked by Mr Rajoelina last Friday.

Mr Rajoelina said he was also scrapping the two posts of co-president set up under the power-sharing deal.

Mr Rajoelina, a former DJ, came to power with military backing in March.

The power-sharing deal was agreed after longs talks with the opposition, including supporters of ousted President Marc Ravalomanana.

Madagascar has been riven by political turmoil for almost a year, with Mr Rajoelina taking power after weeks of protests which saw dozens of people lose their lives.

In the statement announcing that he was scrapping the power-sharing deal, Mr Rajoelina warned this meant that any opposition attempt to convene parliament would be illegal.

After chairing his first cabinet meeting on Sunday, Col Vital said: 'We are in a very difficult, even frightening situation.' In an address broadcast across the nation, he also called on the opposition to work with the government.

He said his priorities were to deliver security and organise elections. One senior opposition figure has said Col Vital's appointment is illegal, according to Reuters news agency.

Mr Mangalaza was sacked just a day after Mr Rajoelina called a parliamentary election for March 20, 2010. He initially said he would appoint Cecile Manorohanta as prime minister, before naming Col. Vital last Sunday.

Donors have frozen aid and say funding will not be resumed until a power-sharing government takes office and new elections held.