Madagascar rivals agree power-sharing deal

By Alain Iloniaina

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Madagascar's political rivals struck a deal late Friday on the make-up of a unity government, paving the way for an end to a 10-month political crisis that has rocked the Indian Ocean island.

The agreement sees coup-instigator Andry Rajoelina remain president, accompanied by two new co-presidents after former leader Marc Ravalomanana refused any accord which saw his successor retain sole leadership of the oil and mineral-endowed country.

"There will be two co-presidents as well as the president. That has been decided and accepted by leaders of the four movements, and by the president of the transition too," Rajoelina told reporters shortly before midnight in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

Hours later, he, Ravalomanana, and former presidents Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy penned their names to the agreement, concluding the talks.

Negotiations over who takes which ministries will resume in the coming days in Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo.

The deal will allow both Rajoelina, who seized power with military backing in March to become Africa's youngest leader, and Ravalomanana to claim victory.

Rajoelina, 35, has struggled to win the international community's backing after regional blocs suspended Madagascar and major donors blocked aid.

Ravalomanana, who is exiled in South Africa and had become increasingly isolated from Madagascar's political arena, will now install a close ally at the highest political level.