The young Rajoelina in the process of toppling the president - Madagascar

March 15th, 2009

Madagascar rivals claim army control

Madagascar's opposition leader Rajoelina greets his supporters at the end of a religious service at Antananarivo's city centre. Photo/REUTERS  

Madagascar’s opposition leader Andry Rajoelina said 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,” Mr Rajoelina told Reuters by phone.

President Ravalomanana said on Saturday he was in charge, not planning to step down and that national dialogue was the solution to the political crisis.

Political observers

The army appears to be leaning away from President Ravalomanana, according to some political observers, but there has been no confirmation from the army to back up Mr Rajoelina’s assertion he is giving the army orders.

In fact, Madagascar’s army has remained traditionally neutral during various periods of political volatility since independence from France in 1960. Diplomats are urging it to stay that way.

President Ravalomanana defied a four-hour deadline by Mr Rajoelina to step down on Saturday and his supporters guarded the presidential palace through the night.

“For now we are waiting for him to resign,” Rajoelina added in a telephone interview. “If he doesn’t, then we have other options ... I can’t say if that means a military intervention.”

The opposition leader said he expected important developments within the next day or two.

source.nation.ke