Opposition chief now president

Madagascar's new president, Andry Rajoelina, celebrated and consolidated power yesterday after being appointed by the Indian Ocean island's military in a move that drew international disapproval.

Rajoelina, 34, a former disc jockey, partied with supporters in the street after meeting his ministers to plan strategy.

The priorities for Africa's newest leader are anti-poverty programs demanded by locals, handling international concerns at his rise and controlling some dissent in the armed forces.