Madagascar opposition leader says he controls army
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina said on today that he had the army's backing and was giving the orders during a standoff with the Indian Ocean island's president.
He is urging President Marc Ravalomanana to step down in a crisis that has killed more than 135 people this year and threatens to derail Madagascar's economy.
"Of course it is me who is giving the army orders. I am in permanent contact with them," Rajoelina told Reuters by phone.
The army appears to be leaning away from Ravalomanana, but there is no independent indication it is fully behind Rajoelina yet. Madagascar's army has remained traditionally neutral and diplomats hope it remains that way.
Ravalomanana defied a four-hour deadline by Rajoelina to step down on Saturday and his supporters guarded the presidential palace throughout the night.
"For now we are waiting for him to resign. If he doesn't then we have other options ... I can't say if that means a military intervention," Rajoelina said.
"We will let him leave quietly. I think the situation will evolve within the next 48 hours," he said.
Rajoelina, 34, a former disc jockey who was sacked as Antananarivo's mayor earlier this year, says Ravalomanana is an autocrat running the island like a private company.
The president says Rajoelina is a maverick and trouble maker.
While Rajoelina has tapped into widespread public discontent, many Malagasy are fed up with the disruption to their lives and the local economy.
The crisis is crippling the tourism sector and spooking foreign investors in the important mining and oil exploration sectors.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments