Washington  - The United States moved to cut off aid to Madagascar on Friday following the forced resignation of the Indian Ocean island's president that amounted to a "coup d'etat," the State Department said.

The president of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana, resigned on Tuesday under pressure from the military. He ceded control to mutinous generals, who in turn appointed opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as interim president.

"This series of events is tantamount to a coup d'etat, and the United States will not maintain our current assistance partnership with Madagascar," spokesman Robert Wood said.

The decision affects all non-humanitarian assistance to Madagascar, Wood said, adding the amount of money involved would be announced later on Friday.

The US move added to mounting international pressure on Madagascar, as Germany also said it was suspending aid and planned to push for similar action by the European Union. The African Union on Friday suspended Madagascar's membership.

"The United States has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the people of Madagascar, and we call on them to immediately undertake a democratic, consensus process to restore constitutional governance," Wood said.

Ravalomanana's surrender after being holed up in the presidential palace for days brought months of political turmoil to a head. Rajoelina has pledged to hold elections in two years. Street protests in recent weeks claimed more than 100 lives. (dpa)