Police opened fire on Saturday as Rajoelina led some 20,000 protesters in a march on a presidential residence as weeks of political unrest escalated.

In a statement read out on the private radio channel Antsive, the defence minister said: "In this period of political crisis, I extend my condolences and moral support to the families who suffered losses," according to the AFP news agency.

"As a mother, I do not tolerate this violence. It was agreed at government level that the security forces were meant to protect the population and its property."

She reportedly added: "After all that has happened, I decide as of now to no longer remain part of this government."

The weekend's protests followed last week's dismissal of Rajoelina as mayor of the capital, Antananarivo.

The 34-year-old former DJ has accused President Ravalomanana of being a dictator and of misspending public money.

President Ravalomanana, 59, and also a former mayor of Antananarivo, has accused the opposition leader of trouble-making.

Dozens of people were killed in unrest in January after anti-government protests turned into rioting and looting.

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