This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7878441.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Madagascar defence minister quits Madagascar defence minister quits
(about 1 hour later)
Madagascar's defence minister has quit after police shot dead at least 28 opposition protesters at the weekend. Madagascar's defence minister has resigned after police shot dead 28 opposition protesters at the weekend.
Cecile Manorohanta reportedly said she did not want to remain in a government that condoned shooting of civilians. Cecile Manorohanta said her conscience could not endure the bloodshed. She was replaced by the chief of military staff, Mamy Ranaivoniarivo.
It comes amid a power struggle between President Marc Ravalomanana and opposition leader Andry Rajoelina. It comes amid a bitter power struggle between President Marc Ravalomanana and opposition leader Andry Rajoelina.
The BBC's Christina Corbett in Antananarivo says there is a tense calm in the capital and emotions are still running high. Up to 5,000 people held a memorial for the dead protesters in Antananarivo on Monday and later dispersed peacefully.
The defence minister was replaced by the chief of military staff, Mamy Ranaivoniarivo. As a mother, I do not tolerate this violence Cecile Manorohanta class="" href="/1/hi/world/africa/7878439.stm">A very deadly power struggle class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7876932.stm">In pictures: Madagascar violence class="" href="/1/hi/world/africa/7859093.stm">Madagascar's 'militant mayor'
As a mother, I do not tolerate this violence Cecile Manorohanta A very deadly power struggleIn pictures: Madagascar violenceMadagascar's 'militant mayor' There are reports on Monday that some 5,000 people have gathered in the city to hold a memorial for protesters who died at the weekend, after the opposition called for a day of mourning.
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.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.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.
In a statement read out on the private radio channel Antsive on Monday, the defence minister resigned saying: "In this period of political crisis, I extend my condolences and moral support to the families who suffered losses," reported AFP news agency. The minister, once a close ally of the president, read out a resignation statement on the private radio channel Antsive on Monday.
She said: "In this period of political crisis, I extend my condolences and moral support to the families who suffered losses.
"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.""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."
'Sadness''Sadness'
Meanwhile, Haile Menkerios, the UN assistant secretary general for political affairs, expressed concern at events in Madagascar after meeting President Ravalomanana on Monday.Meanwhile, Haile Menkerios, the UN assistant secretary general for political affairs, expressed concern at events in Madagascar after meeting President Ravalomanana on Monday.
He said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon felt "extreme sadness" over Saturday's deaths and was calling for those responsible from both sides to be brought to justice.He said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon felt "extreme sadness" over Saturday's deaths and was calling for those responsible from both sides to be brought to justice.
Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina is a 34-year-old former DJOpposition leader Andry Rajoelina is a 34-year-old former DJ
The UN envoy is expected to meet Mr Rajoelina later in the day. The UN envoy is also meeting Mr Rajoelina.
The weekend's rally followed last week's dismissal of Mr Rajoelina as mayor of the capital, Antananarivo.The weekend's rally followed last week's dismissal of Mr 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.The 34-year-old former DJ has accused President Ravalomanana of being a dictator and of misspending public money.
President Ravalomanana, 59, who is also a former mayor of Antananarivo, has accused the opposition leader of trouble-making. The president, who is 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. Saturday's bloodshed brings to more than 100 the death toll since anti-government protests erupted at the end of January.
Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, has become a destination for tourists as well as foreign companies, searching for oil, gold, cobalt, nickel and uranium.Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, has become a destination for tourists as well as foreign companies, searching for oil, gold, cobalt, nickel and uranium.