Madagascar

Soldiers mutiny as opposition leader goes into hiding

Article published on the 2009-03-08 Latest update 2009-03-08 16:44 TU

Marc Ravaolamanana
( Photo: Reuters )

Soldiers at a large military base near Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, have mutinied, declaring that they are not prepared to fire on demonstrations. Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina has gone into hiding after a failed attempt to arrest him.

The mutineers blocked access roads to the camp in Soanierana district on Sunday.

"We no longer take orders from our hierarchy, we are following our hearts. We were trained to protect property and citizens, not to fire at people. We are with the people," one of them told the AFP news agency.

Security forces have been called out to prevent several opposition rallies since Wednesday and clashes have left at least four people dead.

Despite Madagascar's turbulent political history, the military has remained loyal to the government in the past.

On Saturday opposition leader Andry Rajoelina went into hiding.

"I am safe but I can no longer appear physically before you," he told his political enemies after police tried unsuccessfully to arrest him at his home.

Officials and eyewitnesses report that security forces stormed the offices of Rajoelina's television company, Viva, and confiscated equipment on Saturday.

Rajoelina walked out of talks with President Marc Ravolamanana this week. He called for a broad forum, representing all sections of the population, to resolve disagreements between the two camps.