Madagascar

Thousands of pro-government supporters fill stadium

Article published on the 2009-02-11 Latest update 2009-02-11 15:06 TU

Supporters of President Marc Ravalomanana in the Mahamasina stadium, Antanarivo.
(Photo: AFP)

In Madagascar, more than 30,000 people gathered in the Mahamasina soprtsstadium on Wednesday to show their support for President Marc Ravalomanana. It is the first pro-government demonstration since opposition leader Andry Rajoelina initiated protests at the start of the year.

People clutching banners proclaiming “We don’t need TGV!” – a reference to Rajoelina’s nickname, gathered in the arena to see a number of officially recognised government and presidential party officials.

The stadium in Antananarivo, which normally seats up to 22,000 people, was crowded with supporters whose attendance helps assert the government’s legitimacy.

Meanwhile, Rajoelina has launched an opposition government, naming prime minister and several cabinet members and called a general strike, which received some support on Wednesday. 

Unrest in the country has seen the loss of around 100 lives since the start of the year, and at least 28 deaths last week when security forces fired on a demonstration.

Both the UN and African Union have sent representatives to the country. French Secretary of State for Co-operation Alain Joyandet is expected to arrive in Madagascar on Thursday.