Madagascar's leader must comply with previous power-sharing agreements by March 16 or the African Union will impose targeted sanctions the following day, the AU said on Friday.

"Sanctions will be effected as of the 17th of March unless, before the 16th of March, full compliance is displayed with the mediator in the implementation of the Moputu and Addis agreements," said Ramtane Lamamra, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security.

Reuters