Madagascar

Rajoelina calls for Ravalomananato's arrest

Article published on the 2009-03-15 Latest update 2009-03-16 17:56 TU

Andry Rajoelina (L) greets his supporters with Monja Roindefo, the man he named Prime Minister
(Photo: Reuters)

After declaring on Sunday that he controls the army, the Malagasy opposition leader Andry Rajoelina on Monday ordered the security forces to arrest President Marc Ravalomanana. Ravalomanana has proposed a referendum to end their dispute. The opposition Saturday claimed that he and his government had been fired.

Ravalomanana has said that he will never resign. He made the statement during a brief sortie from the presidential palace to speak to about 5,000 of his supporters who had gathered to show their support. The President was accompanied by armed civilians.

Earlier, his rival, Rajoelina told the Reuters news agency, "Obviously, it's me who gives the army its orders," adding that he is in permanent contact with the military.

Rajoelina said that the opposition is waiting for the announcement of Ravalomanana's resignation.