No blood shed in mutiny
Source: Agencies |
November 22, 2010, Monday
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Print Edition
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AN attempted coup on the troubled Indian Ocean island of Madagascar has been defused without bloodshed, the prime minister said.
Camille Vital told reporters late on Saturday that 16 officers surrendered, ending an impasse that began on Wednesday when a faction of officers declared they were taking over from Andry Rajoelina. Rajoelina, a former mayor and disc jockey, himself had the military's support when he toppled an elected president last year after months of violent protest.
Earlier Saturday, reporters had seen hundreds of soldiers loyal to Rajoelina converge on a base near the capital's airport where the mutineers were holed up. Officials had said talks were planned, but shots could be heard inside the base.
Colonel Julien Ravelomihary, a high-ranking member of the High Transitional Authority's military, said on Saturday that mutinous officers were ready to hand themselves over, but some junior officers initially resisted.
Despite the shooting, Vital said: "This crisis ended with the surrender of the mutineers, without bloodshed or threat to human life." He said those who surrendered would face trial.
Also Saturday, police fired tear gas to break up a crowd of several hundred anti-Rajoelina demonstrators in central Antananarivo.
Saturday's protest was led by a mayors' organization that seeks a negotiated resolution to the crisis. Police say they arrested the group's leader. No injuries were reported.
The protesting mayors say they also oppose an electoral plan imposed by Rajoelina.
Wednesday's coup attempt came amid a nationwide vote on Rajoelina's proposed constitution. The vote went ahead, and incomplete results put the 'yes' vote well ahead.
Leaders of Madagascar's neighbors, meeting Saturday at a regional summit in Botswana, said they did not recognize the referendum as legitimate.
Camille Vital told reporters late on Saturday that 16 officers surrendered, ending an impasse that began on Wednesday when a faction of officers declared they were taking over from Andry Rajoelina. Rajoelina, a former mayor and disc jockey, himself had the military's support when he toppled an elected president last year after months of violent protest.
Earlier Saturday, reporters had seen hundreds of soldiers loyal to Rajoelina converge on a base near the capital's airport where the mutineers were holed up. Officials had said talks were planned, but shots could be heard inside the base.
Colonel Julien Ravelomihary, a high-ranking member of the High Transitional Authority's military, said on Saturday that mutinous officers were ready to hand themselves over, but some junior officers initially resisted.
Despite the shooting, Vital said: "This crisis ended with the surrender of the mutineers, without bloodshed or threat to human life." He said those who surrendered would face trial.
Also Saturday, police fired tear gas to break up a crowd of several hundred anti-Rajoelina demonstrators in central Antananarivo.
Saturday's protest was led by a mayors' organization that seeks a negotiated resolution to the crisis. Police say they arrested the group's leader. No injuries were reported.
The protesting mayors say they also oppose an electoral plan imposed by Rajoelina.
Wednesday's coup attempt came amid a nationwide vote on Rajoelina's proposed constitution. The vote went ahead, and incomplete results put the 'yes' vote well ahead.
Leaders of Madagascar's neighbors, meeting Saturday at a regional summit in Botswana, said they did not recognize the referendum as legitimate.
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