More than 1,000 opposition supporters have gathered in Madagascar's capital to demand the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana.
More than 1,000 opposition supporters have gathered in Madagascar's capital to demand the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana.
The president's bitter enemy, Andry Rajoelina, is expected to emerge from hiding for the rally in Antananarivo.
The president's bitter enemy, Andry Rajoelina, has reportedly emerged from hiding for the rally in Antananarivo.
Mutinying army troops have demanded that Mr Ravalomanana should resign.
Mutinying army troops have demanded that Mr Ravalomanana should resign.
The power struggle has brought seven weeks of riots, protests and looting, leaving the Indian Ocean island on the brink of intervention by the military.
The power struggle has brought seven weeks of riots, protests and looting, leaving the Indian Ocean island on the brink of intervention by the military.
The BBC's Jonah Fisher in Antananarivo says the army appears almost as divided as the politicians.
The BBC's Jonah Fisher in Antananarivo says the army appears almost as divided as the politicians.
There is support within the military both for President Ravalomanana and Mr Rajoelina, he says.
There is support within the military both for President Ravalomanana and Mr Rajoelina, he says.
At least 100 people have been killed since opposition demonstrations broke out in late January.
At least 100 people have been killed since opposition demonstrations broke out in late January.
Opposition supporters, clad in orange T-shirts and hats, gathered on Saturday at Antananarivo's 13 May Plaza, which has been epicentre of popular revolts since independence from France in 1960.
Opposition supporters, clad in orange T-shirts and hats, gathered on Saturday at Antananarivo's 13 May Plaza, which has been epicentre of popular revolts since independence from France in 1960.
A radio appeal by the president on Friday for supporters to rally to his cause drew only about 500 people to his palace.
A radio appeal by the president on Friday for supporters to rally to his cause drew only about 500 people to his palace.
On Wednesday, the leader of a widening mutiny within the army ousted the chief of staff.
On Wednesday, the leader of a widening mutiny within the army ousted the chief of staff.
A day later the military police said it would no longer take orders from the government.
A day later the military police said it would no longer take orders from the government.
Col Noel Rakotonandrasa, spokesman for the dissident troops, urged the president to quit "at once" on Friday. "For sure there will be no resistance," he told the BBC.
Col Noel Rakotonandrasa, spokesman for the dissident troops, urged the president to quit "at once" on Friday. "For sure there will be no resistance," he told the BBC.
Mr Ravalomanana - who has said he wants to stay in power until his mandate runs out in 2011 - vowed to re-establish order but said his life was under threat.
Mr Ravalomanana - who has said he wants to stay in power until his mandate runs out in 2011 - vowed to re-establish order but said his life was under threat.
"My assassination would not be in your interest," he said. "The people would suffer, and the international community would not accept it."
"My assassination would not be in your interest," he said. "The people would suffer, and the international community would not accept it."
Mr Rajoelina - a 34-year-old businessman and former DJ who was sacked last month by the government as mayor of the capital - went into hiding last week after the security forces tried to arrest him.
Mr Rajoelina - a 34-year-old businessman and former DJ who was sacked last month by the government as mayor of the capital - went into hiding last week after the security forces tried to arrest him.
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Opposition and pro-government demonstrators holding rival rallies
Opposition and pro-government demonstrators holding rival rallies
The opposition leader - who accuses the president of being a tyrant who has misspent public money - has been trying to establish a parallel government by naming an alternative cabinet.
The opposition leader - who accuses the president of being a tyrant who has misspent public money - has been trying to establish a parallel government by naming an alternative cabinet.
The US state department warned on Friday the situation in Madagascar had "entered a dangerous phase" and urged the political rivals to "urgently commit" to talks.
The US state department warned on Friday the situation in Madagascar had "entered a dangerous phase" and urged the political rivals to "urgently commit" to talks.
For a country with unique rainforest and wildlife - the financial impact of the crisis is already clear, our correspondent says.
For a country with unique rainforest and wildlife - the financial impact of the crisis is already clear, our correspondent says.
A tourist industry worth nearly $400m (£290m) a year has now had two months with no revenue.
A tourist industry worth nearly $400m (£290m) a year has now had two months with no revenue.
Under President Ravalomanana, Madagascar's economy has opened to foreign investment but 70% of the nation's 20 million population still live on incomes of less than $2 (£1.40) a day.
Under President Ravalomanana, Madagascar's economy has opened to foreign investment but 70% of the nation's 20 million population still live on incomes of less than $2 (£1.40) a day.
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.
