Madagascar

Hundreds of supporters protest against mayor's dismissal

Article published on the 2009-02-04 Latest update 2009-02-04 10:49 TU

A rally in Antananarivo on 2 February.
(Photo: Reuters)

Supporters have gathered outside the office of sacked mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina to protest against his dismissal.

Rajoelina was fired on Tuesday by the interior ministry and replaced by a local administration, after he announced plans to form his own transitional government on Saturday.

He had declared that he was in charge of the country and accused President Marc Ravalomanana of being a dictator.

His supporters gathered outside his office on Wednesday in a show of solidarity.

“What Ravalomanana is doing is not at all normal. It is him who is looking for trouble,” a protestor told the AFP news agency.

At least 68 people were killed in riots last week during protests called by Rajoelina to increase the pressure on the government.