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Protests show Madagascar divides Protests show Madagascar divides
(29 minutes later)
Supporters of both Madagascar's ousted president and the man who replaced him have held rival demonstrations in the country's capital, Antananarivo.Supporters of both Madagascar's ousted president and the man who replaced him have held rival demonstrations in the country's capital, Antananarivo.
On one side of the city, 30,000 people attended a church ceremony to protest against new leader Andry Rajoelina.On one side of the city, 30,000 people attended a church ceremony to protest against new leader Andry Rajoelina.
Meanwhile, 600 people commemorated the killing of 28 people when former President Marc Ravalomanana's bodyguard opened fire on protesters in February.Meanwhile, 600 people commemorated the killing of 28 people when former President Marc Ravalomanana's bodyguard opened fire on protesters in February.
On Saturday, police used live gunfire to disperse an anti-government rally.On Saturday, police used live gunfire to disperse an anti-government rally.
At least 30 people were injured - some from gun shots - as supporters of Mr Ravalomanana clashed with security services.At least 30 people were injured - some from gun shots - as supporters of Mr Ravalomanana clashed with security services.
Some 20,000 demonstrators had been protesting in Antananarivo for a sixth consecutive day against Mr Rajoelina's new administration.Some 20,000 demonstrators had been protesting in Antananarivo for a sixth consecutive day against Mr Rajoelina's new administration.
Inevitable tensionInevitable tension
The BBC's Jonny Hogg in Antananarivo says some 30,000 people turned up for Sunday's service in support of the former president, and that the atmosphere was peaceful.The BBC's Jonny Hogg in Antananarivo says some 30,000 people turned up for Sunday's service in support of the former president, and that the atmosphere was peaceful.
It was not officially a political rally, although given the close relations of the organising church with the former president, some will see it as such.It was not officially a political rally, although given the close relations of the organising church with the former president, some will see it as such.
Supporters of Mr Rajoelina have called for a civil service strike on Monday. Supporters of Mr Ravalomanana have called for a civil service strike on Monday.
I beseech you not to accept the repression that certain people want to impose, the division they want to create Marc RavalomananaFormer presidentI beseech you not to accept the repression that certain people want to impose, the division they want to create Marc RavalomananaFormer president
It remains to be seen how many people will observe the strike, our correspondent says, given the difficult economic situation in the country.It remains to be seen how many people will observe the strike, our correspondent says, given the difficult economic situation in the country.
But both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions and further tension seems inevitable, our correspondent adds.But both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions and further tension seems inevitable, our correspondent adds.
Mr Ravalomanana, who fled after he was toppled on 17 March, is in Swaziland ahead of Monday's meeting by regional leaders to discuss possible sanctions against Madagascar.Mr Ravalomanana, who fled after he was toppled on 17 March, is in Swaziland ahead of Monday's meeting by regional leaders to discuss possible sanctions against Madagascar.
In a speech broadcast on private media, he urged his supporters to maintain their protest's momentumIn a speech broadcast on private media, he urged his supporters to maintain their protest's momentum
"Keep going, consolidate your movement so that the entire world can know that we won't stop until the rule of law is re-established," he said, in remarks reported by AP news agency."Keep going, consolidate your movement so that the entire world can know that we won't stop until the rule of law is re-established," he said, in remarks reported by AP news agency.
"I beseech you not to accept the repression that certain people want to impose, the division they want to create. We must show our unity, our solidarity.""I beseech you not to accept the repression that certain people want to impose, the division they want to create. We must show our unity, our solidarity."
International backlashInternational backlash
Mr Rajoelina's military-backed government has offered reconciliation talks early next month with allies of Mr Ravalomanana.Mr Rajoelina's military-backed government has offered reconciliation talks early next month with allies of Mr Ravalomanana.
But members of the ousted leader's political party have not confirmed whether they would join the proposed dialogue.But members of the ousted leader's political party have not confirmed whether they would join the proposed dialogue.
Now it is Andry Rajoelina who faces daily protests against his ruleNow it is Andry Rajoelina who faces daily protests against his rule
The new government has come under increasing pressure from the daily protests and a growing international backlash against Mr Rajoelina's rise to power.The new government has come under increasing pressure from the daily protests and a growing international backlash against Mr Rajoelina's rise to power.
The African Union has already announced Madagascar's suspension, while the United States and European Union have described Mr Rajoelina's accession as a coup.The African Union has already announced Madagascar's suspension, while the United States and European Union have described Mr Rajoelina's accession as a coup.
Mr Ravalomanana, 59, resigned after weeks of often violent street protests - led by his rival - in which around 100 civilians died.Mr Ravalomanana, 59, resigned after weeks of often violent street protests - led by his rival - in which around 100 civilians died.
Mr Rajoelina spent nearly two years as Antananarivo mayor.Mr Rajoelina spent nearly two years as Antananarivo mayor.
Still six years too young to be president under the current constitution, he has promised new elections within two years after a new charter is adopted, but this has failed to satisfy donors.Still six years too young to be president under the current constitution, he has promised new elections within two years after a new charter is adopted, but this has failed to satisfy donors.