Military officers stage coup in Madagascar
Source: Agencies |
November 18, 2010, Thursday
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A GROUP of senior military officers declared a takeover of power in Madagascar -yesterday as the island voted on a new draft constitution, but the country's military leadership vowed to crush any rebellion.
"If there is a mutiny, we have to intervene. We cannot negotiate with someone who mutinies," Military Police General Andrianazary said after an emergency meeting of top military leaders in the prime minister's office.
Rebel Colonel Charles Andrianasoavina said earlier at a barracks near the airport on the outskirts of the capital that a "military council for the welfare of the people" had been formed to run the world's fourth largest island.
Colonel Andrianasoavina was one of the main backers of President Andry Rajoelina's power-grab in March last year when he toppled Marc Ravalomanana.
The country's military has suffered from rifts since the 2009 coup. A group of -dissident military police briefly seized control of a military camp in May, before being quashed by the country's security forces.
A witness said it was calm outside the presidential palace in the capital's centre. Members of the security forces have been on the streets monitoring voting in the referendum, which is seen as a test of confidence in Rajoelina's leadership.
Prime Minister General Camille Vital was expected to make a statement shortly.
Voters cast their ballots at more than 18,000 polling stations. Voting was generally peaceful, although some people complained they were not on electoral lists.
"I just voted because I would like to see changes when it comes to governance. If I had not voted, then there would be no changes. Whether you vote yes or no, you are already on your way to find a solution," said Aha Randriamahefa in the capital.
Rajoelina scrapped the old constitution after ousting unpopular leader Ravalomanana with military backing, creating turmoil on the island targeted by foreign investors for its oil, nickel, cobalt and uranium deposits.
International mediators brokered a series of power sharing agreements between Rajoelina, Ravalomanana and two other former presidents, but they collapsed in bickering over ministerial posts.
"If there is a mutiny, we have to intervene. We cannot negotiate with someone who mutinies," Military Police General Andrianazary said after an emergency meeting of top military leaders in the prime minister's office.
Rebel Colonel Charles Andrianasoavina said earlier at a barracks near the airport on the outskirts of the capital that a "military council for the welfare of the people" had been formed to run the world's fourth largest island.
Colonel Andrianasoavina was one of the main backers of President Andry Rajoelina's power-grab in March last year when he toppled Marc Ravalomanana.
The country's military has suffered from rifts since the 2009 coup. A group of -dissident military police briefly seized control of a military camp in May, before being quashed by the country's security forces.
A witness said it was calm outside the presidential palace in the capital's centre. Members of the security forces have been on the streets monitoring voting in the referendum, which is seen as a test of confidence in Rajoelina's leadership.
Prime Minister General Camille Vital was expected to make a statement shortly.
Voters cast their ballots at more than 18,000 polling stations. Voting was generally peaceful, although some people complained they were not on electoral lists.
"I just voted because I would like to see changes when it comes to governance. If I had not voted, then there would be no changes. Whether you vote yes or no, you are already on your way to find a solution," said Aha Randriamahefa in the capital.
Rajoelina scrapped the old constitution after ousting unpopular leader Ravalomanana with military backing, creating turmoil on the island targeted by foreign investors for its oil, nickel, cobalt and uranium deposits.
International mediators brokered a series of power sharing agreements between Rajoelina, Ravalomanana and two other former presidents, but they collapsed in bickering over ministerial posts.
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