Former singer confirmed as Haiti’s next president

21/04/11 11:53 CET

world news

| |

Michel Martelly has been confirmed as the winner of Haiti’s presidential election.

The country’s electoral commission said the former singer had won 67.5 percent of ballots cast. He beat former first lady Mirlande Manigat.

Martelly said his top priority would be rehousing those left homeless by last year’s earthquake.

Martelly also said that he wants to restablish the Haitian army and boost agricultural production. He takes office on May 14th.

Haiti was crippled by a huge tremor in January 2010 that killed more than 225,000 people, displaced 1.5 million, and left the capital of Port-au-Prince in ruins.

More about: Earthquake in Haiti, Haiti, Hillary Clinton, Michel Martelly

| |

Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…