Madagascan mediators install new PM amid protests

Members of Madagascar’s transitional government have installed a new prime minister, ignoring the former prime minister's vow not to step down. The new PM was given the job by mediators of the International Contact Group for Madagascar – that includes the AU, the UN, the Indian Ocean Commission, the EU, France and the US – after four main political groups signed a deal in August to form an interim government. The island's leader, Andry Rajoelina, who came to power in a coup in March, had earlier unilaterally decided who would hold posts in the unity government. The outgoing PM, Monja Roindefo, says not all political groups were party to the decision that he step down. Some groups also object to the ICG’s decision to keep Rajoelina as president until elections in 2010.