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Text of report by French state-funded public broadcaster Radio France Internationale on 18 March; subheading inserted editorially
[Presenter] In Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina was last night appointed as president of High Authority of Transition by the established military chiefs.
President Marc Ravalomanana had the same morning given absolute power, for the organization of a national conference. Marc Ravalomanana thereafter left his palace at the border of the capital for an unknown destination. More with Ghislaine Dupont.
Challenges ahead
[Dupont] The military chiefs appointed by presidential decree will only be on paper. The three generals who, in the morning, had inherited full powers from President Ravalomanana transferred them to his adversary Andry Rajoelina.
The former mayor of Antananarivo was appointed president of High Authority of Transition and has the mission to organize elections in 24 months.
After weeks of clashes, Andry TGV [Rajoelina's nickname in reference to the French high-speed train service] obtains power snatched by force with the support of a part of the people in Antananarivo and especially CAPSAT [Army Personnel and Services Administration Corps] military camp where a revolt started, less than two weeks ago.
The opposition and army, who demanded the departure...