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Madagascar rival in seized office Madagascar rival in seized office
(10 minutes later)
Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina has moved into the offices of President Marc Ravalomanana a day after their capture by pro-opposition troops.Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina has moved into the offices of President Marc Ravalomanana a day after their capture by pro-opposition troops.
He told thousands of supporters eight government ministers had quit, as power seem to ebb away from the president. He told thousands of supporters eight government ministers had quit, as power seemed to ebb away from the president.
Mr Ravalomanana - who is taking refuge in his residence on the outskirts of the capital Antananarivo - said earlier he was ready to fight to the death.Mr Ravalomanana - who is taking refuge in his residence on the outskirts of the capital Antananarivo - said earlier he was ready to fight to the death.
More than 100 people have died since the political crisis began in January.More than 100 people have died since the political crisis began in January.
The BBC's Jonah Fisher in Antananarivo says it may be only a matter of time until the troops march on Mr Ravalomanana's other residence, 15km (nine miles) from the city centre.The BBC's Jonah Fisher in Antananarivo says it may be only a matter of time until the troops march on Mr Ravalomanana's other residence, 15km (nine miles) from the city centre.
But he adds any attempt to seize the Iavoloha palace could be bloody if they meet resistance from the presidential guard and hundreds of Mr Ravalomanana's supporters, who have formed a human shield. He adds any attempt to seize the Iavoloha palace could be bloody if they meet resistance from the presidential guard and hundreds of Mr Ravalomanana's supporters, who have formed a human shield.
However, the head of the pro-opposition army faction has said he does not want any bloodletting and would try to avoid confrontation with the presidential guard. But the head of the pro-opposition army faction has said he does not want any bloodletting and would try to avoid confrontation.
Thousands of opposition supporters gathered in Antananarivo, chanting "president, president", reports Reuters news agency.Thousands of opposition supporters gathered in Antananarivo, chanting "president, president", reports Reuters news agency.
"Many ministers have handed in their resignation to me," Mr Rajoelina told them."Many ministers have handed in their resignation to me," Mr Rajoelina told them.
The African Union has condemned the opposition's "attempted coup d'etat", but Mr Rajoelina says the president has no right to stay in power.The African Union has condemned the opposition's "attempted coup d'etat", but Mr Rajoelina says the president has no right to stay in power.
Mr Ravalomanana was elected to a second term in office in 2006 and under him, Madagascar's economy has opened up to foreign investment, particularly in the mining sector.Mr Ravalomanana was elected to a second term in office in 2006 and under him, Madagascar's economy has opened up to foreign investment, particularly in the mining sector.
But 70% of the 20 million population still lives on less than $2 (£1.40) a day and correspondents say the opposition has tapped into popular frustration at the failure of this new wealth to trickle down. But 70% of the 20 million population still lives on less than $2 (£1.40) a day and correspondents say the opposition has tapped into popular frustration at the failure of this new wealth to trickle down