Washington  - The United States was reviewing relations with Madagascar following the "undemocratic" transfer of power in the country, the US State Department said Thursday.

State Department spokesman Robert Wood said it was too early to say if the review would results in a cut-off of the millions of dollars in aid the United States provides annually to the troubled African nation.

"We've taken a close look at this. And we believe recent political developments in Madagascar constitute an undemocratic transfer of power," Wood said.

"And we're currently evaluating what impact this transfer is going to have on all elements of our relationship with the government of Madagascar," Wood added.

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

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. (dpa)