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Madagascar president 'must quit' Madagascar president 'must quit'
(9 minutes later)
The leader of Madagascar's mutinying troops has told President Marc Ravalomana to quit "at once".The leader of Madagascar's mutinying troops has told President Marc Ravalomana to quit "at once".
Col Noel Rakotonandrasa said the political crisis that has wracked the island since January would be over by the end of the day.Col Noel Rakotonandrasa said the political crisis that has wracked the island since January would be over by the end of the day.
The president appealed to citizens to rally around his residence, prompting about 500 people to gather, while the opposition held a protest elsewhere.The president appealed to citizens to rally around his residence, prompting about 500 people to gather, while the opposition held a protest elsewhere.
Mr Ravalomanana is in a power struggle with ex-city mayor Andy Rajoelina.Mr Ravalomanana is in a power struggle with ex-city mayor Andy Rajoelina.
The military police and some units of the army are refusing to take orders from the government.The military police and some units of the army are refusing to take orders from the government.
Assassination fearAssassination fear
But there is a small military presence on the city's streets, despite earlier reports the army had deployed tanks.But there is a small military presence on the city's streets, despite earlier reports the army had deployed tanks.
Col Rakotonandrasa told the BBC: "For sure there will be no resistance.Col Rakotonandrasa told the BBC: "For sure there will be no resistance.
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.""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.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."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.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.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.""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.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.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.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.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.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.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 no longer taking orders from the government.
It came a day after a colonel, Andre Andriarijaona, appointed himself head of the army, ousting his predecessor who was 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 population of 20 million 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. Over 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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