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Crowd rallies to Madagascar head Madagascar president 'must quit'
(about 2 hours 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. The leader of Madagascar's mutinying troops has told President Marc Ravalomana to quit "at once".
The military police and some army units have refused to take orders from the government amid a spreading mutiny. Col Noel Rakotonandrasa said the political crisis that has wracked the island since January would be over by the end of the day.
But there is a low military presence on Antananarivo's streets, despite earlier reports the army had deployed tanks. The president appealed to citizens to rally around his residence, prompting about 500 people to gather, while the opposition held a protest elsewhere.
President Ravalomanana has been in a power struggle for weeks with former city mayor Andy Rajoelina. Mr Ravalomanana is in a power struggle with ex-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 military police and some units of the army are refusing to take orders from the government.
'Secret location' Assassination fear
Mr Ravalomanana issued a radio appeal urging civilians to intervene. But there is a small military presence on the city's streets, despite earlier reports the army had deployed tanks.
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 Col Rakotonandrasa told the BBC: "For sure there will be no resistance.
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.
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.
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.
At least 100 people have died during opposition protests that began in late January.
Growing resentment
The US ambassador to Madagascar warned on Wednesday that the Indian Ocean island nation was on the verge of civil war.
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 Q&A: Madagascar power struggleCRISIS 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 Q&A: Madagascar power struggle
"But if there is any, there's other solutions we can discuss with the presidential guard. We want the president to go, so he should resign at once."
He said a UN official had gone to see the president to convey the mutineers' wishes that he step down.
"Something will happen between now and the end of the day," he added.
Mr Ravalomanana said he would do everything to try to re-establish order but added that his life was under threat.
He said: "My assassination would not be in your interest. The people would suffer, and the international community would not accept it.
"Once again, I call on the army and the forces of order to remain united, and remain neutral."
The BBC's Jonah Fisher in the capital says residents told him they had gathered outside the presidential palace to protect democracy in response to Mr Ravalomana's radio appeal for help.
According to AFP news agency, about 2,000 opposition protesters also gathered on Friday at the city's May 13 Square for a new rally in support of Mr Rajoelina.
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.
At least 100 people have died in opposition protests that began in late January.
The US ambassador to Madagascar warned on Wednesday that the country was on the verge of civil war.
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 population of 20 million 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. Over 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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