Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides)- The situation in Madagascar is uncertain after a night of gunfire in the capital in the early hours of the morning Saturday 18 November near Ivato Military Base adjacent to Antananarivo airport. “There were at least two shootouts, at 4.35 and at 5am” Fides heard from local sources at Radio Don Bosco studios situated opposite the military base.
“Yesterday evening general Randrianafidisoa, or General Fidy, said he intended to oust President Marc Ravalomanana and institute a military executive which will among other things prepare the formation of a constitutional assembly to amend the Constitution and the electoral law. The general and his men are barricaded themselves inside Ivato Base, urging the rest of the army to join them initiative” the sources told Fides.
“However last night the troops loyal to the government surrounded the Base and there were clashes in which reportedly at least one military was killed, although the news has yet to be confirmed” the source continued.
In a situation of stalemate the Base is now in the hands of the rebel troops surrounded by those loyal to the institutions. “The airport is still open for regular flights” the sources added. “However the whereabouts of President Ravalomanana are uncertain. He was due to return from Brussels last night but his flight did not land at airport of the capital”.
On 3 December in presidential elections Ravalomanana will stand for a second mandate. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/11/2006 righe 25 parole 294)
