Madagascar prime minister Roger Kolo’s government resigns.Drive Hot News

 Madagascar’s Prime Minister Roger Kolo (in blue suit) and his government have resigned. A new Cabinet is expected to be appointed soon. PHOTO
 

ANTANANARIVO

Madagascar’s Prime Minister Roger Kolo and his government, appointed in April 2014, have resigned, official information said.

The secretary-general at the president's office, Gen Roger Ralala, addressed the nation Monday night and read out the decree stating the government’s official resignation.

“President Hery Rajaonarimampianina accepted the premier’s decision and that of the whole of the governmental team,” he said.

However, the president has requested them to continue their duties as premier and as ministers until their successors are named.

The incoming Cabinet will be announced over the coming days, according to unofficial source.

LEADERS MEETING

In the meantime, the country’s leader and his predecessors and rivals Andry Rajoelina, Marc Ravalomanana, Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy on Tuesday gathered for the second time at the International Conference Centre near the international airport of Ivato.

The reunion was the continuation of the landmark national reconciliation meeting organised by the country’s religious leader on December 19, 2014 in Antananarivo.

At the same time, the new US envoy to Antananarivo, Mr Robert Yamate, presented a copy of his credentials to the Malagasy Foreign Affairs minister, Ms Lala Arisoa Razafitrimo, on Tuesday.

He was also expected to present his papers on Wednesday to President Rajaonarimampianina at the State House of Iavoloha.

The last US ambassador to Antananarivo, Mr Niels Marquardt, left the island nation in 2010.

Washington had put off naming his successor because of the long-running crisis of 2009-2014.