An elite military unit that backed youth-led anti-government street protests said Tuesday it had taken power in Madagascar after the national assembly voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina.

Rajoelina, who was in hiding reportedly out of the country, had refused growing demands to step down after demonstrations started on September 25 won the backing of the CAPSAT military unit at the weekend.

CAPSAT commander Colonel Michael Randrianirina read out a statement at the presidential palace saying the unit would set up a governing committee composed of officers from the army, gendarmerie and national police.

"Perhaps in time it will include senior civilian advisers. It is this committee that will carry out the work of the presidency," Randrianirina said.

"At the same time, after a few

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