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Madagascar officers launch mutiny | Madagascar officers launch mutiny |
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Officers in a military camp near Madagascar's capital of Antananarivo have mutinied, refusing to take any more orders from the government. | Officers in a military camp near Madagascar's capital of Antananarivo have mutinied, refusing to take any more orders from the government. |
A BBC reporter in the capital says a group of officers announced they would now follow opposition leader and former city mayor Andry Rajoelina. | A BBC reporter in the capital says a group of officers announced they would now follow opposition leader and former city mayor Andry Rajoelina. |
Antananarivo is peaceful despite the announcement, our correspondent adds. | Antananarivo is peaceful despite the announcement, our correspondent adds. |
But the island nation is in crisis amid a power struggle between Mr Rajoelina and President Marc Ravalomanana. | But the island nation is in crisis amid a power struggle between Mr Rajoelina and President Marc Ravalomanana. |
Roads to the military camp in Soanierana district, around 6km (four miles) from the city centre, have been blocked by mutineering soldiers, according to AFP news agency. | |
"We no longer take orders from our hierarchy, we are following our hearts. We were trained to protect property and citizens, not to fire at people. We are with the people," an unnamed soldier told AFP. | |
Mr Rajoelina said he was in hiding on Sunday, two days after security forces attempted to arrest him. | |
Last week, Mr Ravalomanana pledged to intensify the crackdown against the opposition movement and end a political crisis that has crippled the Indian Ocean island since December. |