Rajoelina installed as transitional president

Andry Rajoelina promised an end to dictatorship and a new era of good governance in Madagascar yesterday in an inaugural speech capping his internationally-condemned takeover of the island.

The 34-year-old, sacked as mayor of Antananarivo after launching a New Year bid for power in the Indian Ocean state, was installed as president of a transitional authority in front of 40,000 jubilant supporters.

But his army-backed ouster earlier last week of ex-president Marc Ravalomanana, who ruled the country for seven years, was condemned as a coup by Western donors and regional powers who threatened sanctions and questioned the legality of his status.

"Today we proclaim the end of dictatorship, of waste in the management of the state's affairs, the end of the lies, empty promises... that have for too long stifled Madagascar's political life," Rajoelina said.

During the ceremony in the capital's main stadium, Rajoelina - who is six years under the legal age to run for president - vowed fresh polls within two years and a new constitution.

Three days after being confirmed in charge of the country by a constitutional court, Rajoelina took an oath in front of religious leaders, his cabinet and judges. No foreign diplomats were visible.

The baby-faced former disc jockey, whose three-month-old challenge for power culminated with Ravalomanana's resignation last Tuesday, tried to address some of the world's concerns with his takeover.

"To all the peoples and rulers of friendly and partner countries, to donors... who are watching today: be assured that Madagascar is a friend to every nation and citizen in the world," Rajoelina said.

"You must know that we want change in the way our country is governed and are determined to implement the rules and principles of good governance," he added.

Protests repressed by the police and looting have left around 100 people dead since the start of the year.

While the world's reaction to Ravalomanana's resignation was initially muted, the decision by Rajoelina's cabinet to suspend parliament on Thursday soon left the youthful leader facing a barrage of criticism.

Washington called new president Rajoelina's rise to power a "coup d'etat" and suspended its non-humanitarian aid, while former colonial power France and the African Union (AU) also denied him legitimacy.