<<Print>>

Madagascar's prime minister refused to step down on Saturday after the Indian Ocean island's leader endorsed a new power-sharing deal. The internationally-brokered agreement on Tuesday saw Andry Rajoelina retain the presidency he seized in a March coup but proposed new names for the offices of prime minister and vice president. Under the agreement, social anthropology professor Eugene Mangalaza should replace Monja Roindefo as prime minister. "When it comes to the Maputo charter, a simple press communique from the International Contact Group cannot dissolve a government and nominate a new prime minister," Roindefo told reporters. Madagascar's power-brokers have been deadlocked over who should hold the key posts in a unity government since they agreed to share power at talks in Mozambique's capital, Maputo. Roindefo said this week's agreement to reshuffle the top jobs had no legal basis without the signature of Madagascar's four leaders. Instead of disbanding the government Rajoelina formed unilaterally last month, the focus should be on paving the way for elections, he said. Roindefo was a backer of Rajoelina's power-grab and sought not to let Rajoelina compromise with the opposition during talks in August to form a unity government. Political observers describe him as a fierce nationalist who was adamant Madagascar could resolve its political crisis without outside interference or donor aid. As president, Rajoelina has the power to fire the prime minister.