Madagascar

Opposition leader says he is in charge of the country

Article published on the 2009-01-31 Latest update 2009-01-31 15:32 TU

Tension on the streets of Antananarivo
(Photo: R. Bouhet/AFP)

Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina told some 2,000 demonstrators that he was in charge of the country at a rally on Saturday. People turned out on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo, to protest the current government. Some threw rocks at anti-riot forces who arrived on the scene while others waited for Rajoelina to come to May 13 square, a symbol of the nation's democratic struggle.

Rajoelina, 34, the mayor of Antananarivo, has stepped up his verbal attacks of Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana is recent days, calling the current leader a dictator, including calling for the president to be impeached due to violations of the constitution.

"He has basically launched a 'verbal coup'," said RFI's Nick Champeaux in Antananarivo.

Riots broke out last Sunday when tens of thousands of people went to the streets to protest. Security officials estimate that 68 people have been killed across the country over the past week.

On Friday, Rajoelina, described as an eloquent speaker, announced his plans to lead the country into a two-year transition period to end the rule of Ravalomanana and organise new elections.