Andry Rajoelina took over the presidency of Madagascar after his predecessor Marc Ravalomanana was ousted.Reuters: FACTBOX-Madagascar's new president Rajoelina (March 18, 2009)

Rajoelina was sworn in as president on March 22, 2009. The present whereabouts of his predecessor are not known, although his family has fled the country.Voice of America: Rajoelina Sworn In As President (March 22, 2009)

Andry Rajoelina is a former disc jockey nicknamed after the French express train "TGV" for his rapid fire rhetoric and personality. Elected as mayor of Antananarivo in 2007, Rajoelina has never held national office. Beginning in late 2008, Rajoelina was vocal in his opposition to the rule of Marc Ravalomanana, accusing the president of being a dictator starving his people.Reuters: FACTBOX-Madagascar's new president Rajoelina (March 18, 2009) Rulers.org: Rajoelina, Andry (Nirina)

After an extended power struggle, Rajoelina had the backing of the military when he walked into Ravalomanana's office on March 17, 2009 and declared himself president. The current whereabouts of Ravalomanana are unknown.Reuters: FACTBOX-Madagascar's new president Rajoelina (March 18, 2009)

Rajoelina suspended parliament but has promised to hold new elections within two years. The move, described as a "coup" by members of the European Union, has been widely denounced, and most world leaders did not attend his formal installation on March 21, 2009. According to the Madagascar constitution, Rajoelina is six years too young to be president, who must be 40 to lead.Rulers.org: Rajoelina, Andry (Nirina) BBC News: Madagascar's leader is sworn in (March 21, 2009)

Rajoelina was formally installed as president on March 21, 2009, an event shunned by envoys from the US, France, Germany and the European Union.BBC News: Madagascar's leader is sworn in (March 21, 2009)