Madagascar: Soldiers Shoot Crowd

Madagascar - Soldiers have opened fire on an anti-government protest in Madagascar, killing at least 23.

The deaths were reported by local media, but there has been no official confirmation.

“There are 23 dead and 83 wounded,” the head of the Antananarivo fire brigade, Jaona Andrianaivo, told AFP news agency.

Tens of thousands of protesters had taken to the streets near the presidential palace in the capital Antananarivo.

They were angered by the sacking of the mayor of the capital, opposition leader Andry Rajoelina.

Former DJ Rajoelina, 34, was removed from office on Tuesday and replaced by an official appointed by the police ministry.

He had called on President Marc Ravalomanana to resign, accusing him of mishandling the country’s finances and being undemocratic.

As mayor, the opposition leader used broadcast stations he owned and held rallies to propose a new transitional government, with himself as its leader.

When reports of violence emerged, Rajoelina spoke to an independent radio station and called on the armed forces to “defend the people and stop these soldiers who are firing on people.”

Rallies last month also led to fatal violence.

Madagascar’s economy looked set for a boost when oil was discovered on the island three years ago. However, most of the population remain in poverty.

Source: Sky News