ANTANANARIVO, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The decision of Madagascan President Marc Ravalomanana to hand over power to a military committee was rejected by the opposition and the rebel armed forces on Tuesday.
In a presidential degree issued on Tuesday, Ravalomanana agreed to transfer his power to the oldest in the highest militaryr ank, who would lead a Military Executive Board. The military would be in charge of the functions of the president and prime minister under the constitution, according to the degree.
The mission of the Executive Military Board is to arrange a national discussion and the development of possible amendments to the constitution, to prepare for the revision of the electoral code, the law on political parties and for organizing elections within 24 months.
The board is authorized to take other measures it considers necessary to restore security and peace, and to promote genuine national reconciliation for economic and social development of the island country.
However, the degree was rejected by the opposition and the armed forces, which have already chosen to support the opposition led sacked Antananarivo mayor Andry Rajoelina.
The rebel armed forces detained four military generals and one Christian church leader following a meeting between the generals, Rajoelina and the Christian Church leaders on Tuesday afternoon, in which the opposition was informed of the president's decision.
Shortly after, Ravalomanana addressed the nation, saying that his decision to step down was difficult to make, but he made it after careful and deep reflection for the supreme interest of the nation and for a peaceful solution to the differences among both the army and the citizens.
He reiterated that his respect for the constitution was sacred and the restoration of social peace was important.
Calling for calm, Ravalomanana thanked his people, staff, the international community, partners of Madagascar for everything that has been achieved so far.
Leadership in Madagascar is unclear as Madagascan President Marc Ravalomanana announced his resignation in favor of a military committee headed by Vice Admiral Hyppolite Ramaroson, only to have that resignation rejected by the Admiral, the military and opposition political groups. Admiral Ramaroson joined other military leaders in saying they would back opposition leader, former Antananarivo mayor and former DJ Andry Rajoelina.

Mr Ravalomanana attempted to hand power over to the heads of the military, given the tasks of discussing and drafting constitutional changes, rather than transfer power to Mr Rajoelina. After the resignation was announced to the opposition, four Army generals and a head of the church were detained for reasons unknown. The true extent of the Army's loyalty to Mr Rajoelina is unclear, as reportedly the military refused to arrest President Ravalomanana despite orders from Mr Rajoelina.

Mr Rajoelina installed himself in the Presidential Palace in upper Antananarivo, which troops had seized yesterday. A cabinet loyal to him has been in operation since the end of January, when Mr Rajoelina proclaimed Mr Ravalomanana's rule to be illegitimate. The Madagascan opposition accuses Mr Ravalomanana of mismanaging the country while restricting personal freedoms.

President Ravalomanana was reportedly first announced via an text message from one of his aides before being confirmed by Ravalomanana's office in a radio broadcast, in which the President proclaimed, "After deep reflection, I have decided to dissolve the government and give up power so that a military directorate can be established". Madagascan Army Chief of Staff Colonel Andre Ndriarijaona has declared his support for Rajoelina and says that "99% of the forces are behind" the opposition leader.
Eco-tourists visit Madagascar to see its unique wildlife. 
The African Union, meanwhile, reiterated its position that a military takeover in Madagascar would be considered a coup d'etat, which could result in "firm measures" such as Madagascar's suspension from the organization or a blocking of international aid, and urged the military to obey the country's constitution, which bars Mr Rajoelina from the presidency due to his age, and not hand power over to the former mayor, instead suggesting that power could be given to Madagascan Prime Minister General Charles Rabemananjara. Members of the Madagascan opposition say they plan to re-write the constitution and electoral code before holding new elections within two years.

While reports are that the country has been overall stable during the coup, the unrest of the past two months has deprived the country of tourist revenue. Tourism, especially eco-tourism highlighting the country's rainforests and unique mammal species, brings $800 million annually to the Madagascan economy.