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| Africa Subsaharan |
| Mayor says he's in charge of Madagascar |
| 2009-02-01 |
| The president of Madagascar said Saturday that he was still in charge of the country and insisted calm had returned to the Indian Ocean island after a wave of anti-government protests that left 43 dead. President Marc Ravalomanana was responding to claims that the capital's mayor, Andry Rajoelina, had taken over control of the government. "I remain the president of this country," he said in a short statement while meeting with Cabinet ministers. "I know the situation is very serious before, but now it is OK. We managed the crisis in Madagascar." Ravalomanana said Rajoelina had to "respect the law" of the country. Earlier Saturday Rajoelina, who has grown increasingly critical of Ravalomanana and has called for him to stand down, addressed a crowd of about 4,500 people in the capital's main square. "Until the establishment of a transitional government, it is me who gives the command," he said. "I send a call to the forces of law and order that it is me who gives the command." Rajoelina has made similar claims in the last week, saying he is ready to take over an interim government. But the constitution requires a president be at least 40, and Rajoelina is 34. The rally ended peacefully after some protesters threw stones at police in the morning. Police withdrew from the area and protesters set up a barricade of barrels and trash cans around the square. Unrest began Monday when protesters set the government broadcasting complex ablaze, along with an oil depot, shopping mall and a private TV station linked to Ravalomanana. |
| Posted by:Fred |