AU SUSPENDS MADAGSCAR OVER COUP

The African Union (AU) has suspended Madagascar over an army-backed coup by Andry Rajoelina, the former opposition leader.
Joining a growing chorus of international condemnation, the AU on Friday called Rajoelina's takeover "unconstitutional".
Rajoelina, who declared himself as the new head of the country's transitional authority after Marc Ravalomanana was forced to step down as the president, has already drawn criticism from the US, France, Germany and the EU.
The Southern African Development Community (Sadc), a regional bloc, also refused to recognise Rajoelina as Madagascar's leader on Thursday, and member states are reportedly discussing imposing sanctions against the island.
Bruno Nongoma Zidouemba, the chairman of the AU's peace and security council, said that "what occurred in Madagascar enters the definition of unconstitutional change of government".
"The council then decided to suspend the participation of Madagascar to the bodies and organs of the AU," he said.
Despite the criticism, Madagascar's courts and army have backed Rajoelina, who forced Ravalomanana from the presidency on Tuesday after a seven-week campaign of street protests.
On his first day in office, the 34-year-old Rajoelina dissolved the senate and national assembly without opposition.

Courtesy: Al Jazeera...