Rioting as Madagascar armed forces dispel protests

ANTANANARIVO – Armed forces in Madagascar fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators loyal to the island nation’s ousted president yesterday, as looters rampaged through the streets of the capital.

Radio Madagascar said numerous casualties were being taken to the Antananarivo’s main hospital. There was no immediate confirmation of the report nor official word about injuries or deaths.
An AP reporter saw roaming gangs erecting barricades and burning cars in the capital, with the worst unrest concentrated near a downtown square that has become the focal point for protests.
Supporters of ousted President Marc Ravalomanana had defied a ban on demonstrations issued by Madagascar’s military-backed leader Andry Rajeolina following repeated clashes.
Ravalomanana was toppled by the military in March after months of street protests, but still enjoys diplomatic recognition from the rest of the world.
He insists he is still president, and told reporters in South Africa this week that he would return home soon.
African and Western nations have called the takeover a coup. The African Union suspended Madagascar’s membership, and the US cut all non-humanitarian aid to the impoverished nation.
Rajeolina, installed by the military, issued an arrest warrant last week for Ravalomanana, accusing him of misusing government funds. Ravalomanana has denied such charges.
Infighting has long been a hallmark of politics in Madagascar, famous for its rare wildlife, ecotourism and inspiration for two cartoon films of the same name.
In 2001, Ravalomanana clashed with former President Didier Ratsiraka when both claimed the presidency after a disputed election. After low-level fighting split the country between two governments, two capitals and two presidents, Ratsiraka fled to France in June 2002.
Ravalomanana won re-election in 2006.
– Nampa-AP