Madagascar: Soldiers on rampage

  1. Posted on Wednesday 11 March 2009 - 13:32
    KingsleyKobo
    Image of KingsleyKobo
    Kingsley Kobo, AfricaNews reporter in Abidjan, Ivory Coast Photo: Sacked defense minister
    Madagascan minister of defence, Vice-Admiral Mamy Ranaivoniarivo and army chief have been forced to resign by a group of mutinying soldiers in the capital Antananarivo. The rampaging soldiers have taken over the army headquarters and forced their leader to resign but there has been no fighting.
    madagascar defense minister
    The army chief - General Edmond Rasolofomahandry - had on Tuesday given an ultimatum of 72 hours to the nation’s rival leaders to solve their differences and put an end to the Island’s political crisis, which has left about 100 people dead, AFP reported.

    After these developments, President Marc Ravalomanana spoke on national television. He admitted making mistakes during the crisis that has lasted several weeks. He said he was now ready to listen attentively to good suggestions that could help reunite the country. He invited all Madagascan political players to a national sitting to be held in Antananarivo on Thursday this week.

    But, the president’s major opposition, ex-mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, and the coalition of the nation’s opposition, immediately announced that they would not participate in such sitting because they no longer had trust in the president.

    French foreign ministry spokesman announced on Tuesday evening that Rajoelina, who had been taking refuge in their embassy in Antananarivo, had left to be under the protection of the United Nations forces.

    President Ravalomanana supporters demonstrated on Tuesday morning in front of the French embassy demanding that Rajoelina be handed to them.

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