Over the last few days there have been further developments in the political situation in Madagascar. When Andry Rajoelina, mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, declared himself ‘in charge’ of the country and demanded that President Ravalomanana resign, he was removed from his office as mayor and replaced. Then on Saturday things took a turn for the worse:
Mr Rajoelina on Saturday organised a large rally attended by some 20,000 people during which he announced a “transition authority” and named his own prime minister.
In addition to some 28 people who died as security forces opened fire on demonstrators marching towards the presidential compound, more than 200 people were wounded.
Today the defence minister has resigned, saying that her conscience could not endure the bloodshed as it had been agreed at government level that the security forces were there to protect the people and their property. Read more here. Hoping and praying for a peaceful resolution to this power struggle.