Mbabane, 31 March-(ANA)-The Southern African Development Community has suspended Madagascar and called on its new leader, Andry Rajoelina, to vacate the presidency.
SADC said after a summit in Swaziland that its leaders would not recognise Mr Rajoelina, who ousted President Marc Ravalomanana this month.
Mr Ravalomanana, who was accused of corruption by his opponents, briefed the summit on the political crisis.
The much-larger African Union has already suspended Madagascar.
SADC executive director Tomaz Salomao announced the suspension.
"The extraordinary summit suspends Madagascar from all community institutions and organs until the return of the country to constitutional order," he said.
At least 8,000 people attended a new rally in support of Mr Ravalomanana in the Malagasy capital, Antananarivo, on Monday. (ANA)
