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Crowd rallies to Madagascar head Crowd rallies to Madagascar head
(41 minutes later)
Around 500 people have gathered in the capital of Madagascar in response to an appeal by President Marc Ravalomanana to help defend his palace.Around 500 people have gathered in the capital of Madagascar in response to an appeal by President Marc Ravalomanana to help defend his palace.
The military police and some army units have refused to take orders from the government amid a spreading mutiny.The military police and some army units have refused to take orders from the government amid a spreading mutiny.
But there is a low military presence on Antananarivo's streets, despite earlier reports the army had deployed tanks.But there is a low military presence on Antananarivo's streets, despite earlier reports the army had deployed tanks.
President Ravalomanana has been in a power struggle for weeks with former city mayor Andy Rajoelina.President Ravalomanana has been in a power struggle for weeks with former city mayor Andy Rajoelina.
The BBC's Jonah Fisher in the capital says residents have told him they have come to the presidential palace to protect democracy.The BBC's Jonah Fisher in the capital says residents have told him they have come to the presidential palace to protect democracy.
'Secret location''Secret location'
Mr Ravalomanana issued a radio appeal urging civilians to intervene.Mr Ravalomanana issued a radio appeal urging civilians to intervene.
CRISIS TIMELINE 8 March: Section of the army joins opposition9 March: Rajoelina goes into hiding10 March: Defence minster ousted11 March: Army chief of staff forced out12 March: Military police chief joins dissidents class="" href="/1/hi/world/africa/7935682.stm">Q&A: Madagascar power struggle According to AFP news agency, about 2,000 opposition protestors also gathered on Friday at the city's May 13 Square for a new rally in support of Mr Rajoelina.Opposition supporters have also taken to the streets of Antananarivo
According to AFP news agency, about 2,000 opposition protestors also gathered on Friday at the city's May 13 Square for a new rally in support of Mr Rajoelina.
Negotiations between the president and Mr Rajoelina planned for Thursday and Friday were called off.Negotiations between the president and Mr Rajoelina planned for Thursday and Friday were called off.
The opposition leader has been attempting to establish a parallel government by naming an alternative cabinet.The opposition leader has been attempting to establish a parallel government by naming an alternative cabinet.
Correspondents say that as the country sinks into political chaos it is not clear who has the upper hand, and exactly what role the mutinous soldiers intend to play.Correspondents say that as the country sinks into political chaos it is not clear who has the upper hand, and exactly what role the mutinous soldiers intend to play.
Earlier Col Noel Rakotonandrasa, a spokesman for the mutinous soldiers, said tanks had been deployed to a secret location in Antananarivo, as a precaution to intercept any mercenaries hired by the government.Earlier Col Noel Rakotonandrasa, a spokesman for the mutinous soldiers, said tanks had been deployed to a secret location in Antananarivo, as a precaution to intercept any mercenaries hired by the government.
Opposition supporters have said they fear the president might bring in mercenaries to counter mutinous troops.Opposition supporters have said they fear the president might bring in mercenaries to counter mutinous troops.
Col Rakotonandrasa was also quoted as denying rumours the dissident troops were planning to march on the palace.Col Rakotonandrasa was also quoted as denying rumours the dissident troops were planning to march on the palace.
At least 100 people have died during opposition protests that began in late January.At least 100 people have died during opposition protests that began in late January.
Growing resentmentGrowing resentment
The US ambassador to Madagascar warned on Wednesday that the Indian Ocean island nation was on the verge of civil war.The US ambassador to Madagascar warned on Wednesday that the Indian Ocean island nation was on the verge of civil war.
Col Andriarijaona (2nd right) has said he does not intend to seize power CRISIS TIMELINE 8 March: Section of the army joins opposition9 March: Rajoelina goes into hiding10 March: Defence minster ousted11 March: Army chief of staff forced out12 March: Military police chief joins dissidents class="" href="/1/hi/world/africa/7935682.stm">Q&A: Madagascar power struggle
Mr Rajoelina is a 34-year-old former DJ and businessman who was sacked as mayor of the capital last month.Mr Rajoelina is a 34-year-old former DJ and businessman who was sacked as mayor of the capital last month.
He went into hiding last week after the security forces tried to arrest him.He went into hiding last week after the security forces tried to arrest him.
On Thursday, military police leader Gen Pily Gilbain said his forces were backing the new head of the army, Col Andre Andriarijaona, who earlier in the week ousted his predecessor appointed by the president.On Thursday, military police leader Gen Pily Gilbain said his forces were backing the new head of the army, Col Andre Andriarijaona, who earlier in the week ousted his predecessor appointed by the president.
Under President Ravalomanana, Madagascar's economy has opened to foreign investment, particularly in the mining sector, BBC World Affairs correspondent Adam Mynott reports.Under President Ravalomanana, Madagascar's economy has opened to foreign investment, particularly in the mining sector, BBC World Affairs correspondent Adam Mynott reports.
But he says little of this has tricked down to the 70% of Madagascar's 20 million population who live on incomes of less than $2 (£1.40) a day, and the opposition has tapped into growing resentment.But he says little of this has tricked down to the 70% of Madagascar's 20 million population who live on incomes of less than $2 (£1.40) a day, and the opposition has tapped into growing resentment.
Meanwhile, foreign governments are advising people not to travel to Madagascar and the tourist industry, a vital source of revenue, is reeling. More than 95% of foreign bookings have been cancelled.Meanwhile, foreign governments are advising people not to travel to Madagascar and the tourist industry, a vital source of revenue, is reeling. More than 95% of foreign bookings have been cancelled.
Are you in Madagascar? Are you affected by the issues in this story? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Are you in Madagascar? Are you affected by the issues in this story? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
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