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Madagascar capital mayor 'sacked' Madagascan regime 'sacks mayor'
(30 minutes later)
Madagascar's police minister says the capital's mayor has been replaced, amid ongoing political turmoil in the city. The Madagascan government has fired opposition leader Andry Rajoelina from his role as the capital's mayor, amid ongoing political turmoil in the city.
Andry Rajoelina had called for President Marc Ravolamanana to resign, and offered himself as an alternative. Mr Rajoelina had called for President Marc Ravolamanana to resign, and proclaimed himself in charge of "national affairs" on Saturday.
After the president temporarily shut down the mayor's TV station, protests last week turned into riots and looting that left dozens of people dead. At least 44 people have died during protests in recent days amid the bitter power struggle between the two men.
Police Minister Gervais Rakotonirina gave no reason why Mr Rajoelina was being relieved of his duties. A city official gave no reason why Mr Rajoelina was being replaced.
President Ravalomanana, a 59-year-old self-made millionaire, has insisted he is still at the helm and called for calm, according to Reuters news agency.
The African Union has condemned any moves to overthrow him.
Analysts say Mr Rajoelina has successfully tapped into widespread frustration with the government, but may have over-played his hand in trying to overthrow the president, whom he calls a dictator.