Madagascar’s Rajoelina defiant in face of international pressure, rejects coalition accords

Madagascar’s Rajoelina rejects accords

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — A former disc jockey who seized power in Madagascar is defying international efforts to resolve the latest crisis on an Indian Ocean island known for its rare wildlife and fractious politics.

In a statement released to reporters late Sunday, Andry Rajoelina declared “null and void” agreements sponsored by international mediators to create a transitional coalition for Madagascar. Instead, Rajoelina has named his own prime minister — a top ranking military official — and unilaterally called for elections.

Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, the main Madagascar mediator, was curt when an AP reporter called seeking his reaction, saying he had no comment.

Rajoelina came to power in March in what African governments called a military-backed coup.