Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (AHN) - The African Union suspended Madagascar following the military-backed coup led by opposition leader Andry Rajoelina which ousted President Marc Ravalomanana from power.
South African leaders threatened to impose sanctions on Madagascar unless legality is restored in the island-nation.
Burkina Faso Ambassador Bruno Nongoma Zidouemba said the council views the change of power in Antananarivo as an unconstitutional change of government, which prompted the union's Peace and Security Council to suspend Madagascar's participation in activities of the union.
Madagascar is scheduled to host the next African Union summit meeting in July.
The pressure is not just from African nations, but also from France and the U.S. France condemned the manner power changed, while the U.S. vowed to block non-humanitarian assistance to Madagascar.
Rajoelina will be inaugurated as Madagascar leader on Saturday after the country's Constitutional Court approved the transfer of power to the former disc jockey and Antananarivo mayor.
