Antananarivo, Madagascar  - Regional African powers on Wednesday criticized the "undemocratic" actions of Madagascar's opposition as a protracted power struggle on the island drew to an end.

A senior military team on Tuesday transferred power to Madagascar opposition leader Andry Rajoelina that had been handed to it by President Marc Ravalomanana.

South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, who chairs the Southern African Development Community, stressed that the regional group would not tolerate undemocratic actions.

Rajoelina, 34, declared himself transitional president and promised to hold election in 24 months, the French news channel LCI reported. At his age, he is officially too young to hold this office.

High-ranking military officials declared earlier that they had rejected the authority handed them by Ravalomanana, 59, and decided to install Rajoelina in the president's office instead.

Ravalomanana's whereabouts remained unclear.

The monthslong power struggle in Madagascar intensified at the weekend when Rajoelina - who was relieved from his position as mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, in February - announced his transitional government had seized power on the island.

The former radio DJ accused Ravalomanana of abuse of power and using his office to enrich himself. More than 140 people have been killed in the ensuing power struggle.

Madagascar, located off the east coast of Africa, is the world's fourth-largest island with 20 million inhabitants and one of the world's poorest nations. (dpa)