Mutiny Crushed In Madagascar

Madagascar Army Quells Mutiny, Kills Rebel Leader -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Madagascar's army stormed a military barracks near the island country's main airport in order to quell a mutiny, killing the corporal who led it and arresting a number of mutineers, the army said on Sunday.

The soldiers had seized the barracks located 10km (6.2 miles) from the capital Antananarivo at dawn 16 hours earlier. It was unclear what their grievances or demands were, but the drama escalated dramatically when they shot and fatally wounded an officer who had been sent in to negotiate with them.

"The situation is under control," General Raphael Ramasy, the defense minister's chief-of-staff told the public television station TVN.

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More News On Madagascar's Military Mutiny

Madagascar army quells soldiers’ mutiny, regains military base in fighting that kills 3 -- Washington Post/AP
Madagascar 'quells Antananarivo army barracks mutiny' -- BBC
Madagascar Military Quells Mutiny -- Voice of America
Government forces in Madagascar retake military camp from mutineers -- The Guardian
Soldiers mutiny at Madagascar army base -- CNN
Madagascar mutiny under control, says army -- AFP
Madagascar says it put down mutiny -- UPI
Madagascar army 'retakes' camp after mutiny -- Al Jazeera

After Failed Coup, What Is Next For Madagascar

What Madagascar's Failed Coup Attempt Could Mean For The Fragile Country -- Christian Science Monitor

A coup attempt by rebel officers against a government that itself came to power by military force, leaves Malagasy citizens calling it an example of political theater and all eyes on a constitutional vote.

Until some days ago, when a few dozen military officers announced they were dissolving the government and forming a committee to create another one, Madagascar was just another African country well outside of the media’s glare.

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More News On Madagascar

Madagascar Approves New Constitution -- Voice of America
Madagascar approves new charter -- Al Jazeera
Madagascans give huge backing to new constitution -- AFP
Madagascar coup attempt fails -- The Guardian
Madagascar's Failed Coup Deals Fresh Blow to Economy Crippled by Crisis -- Bloomberg

Coup Attempt Fails In Madagascar

Mutineers Defeated In Madagascar Coup Bid -- The Australian

AN attempted coup in Madagascar has been defused without bloodshed, the Prime Minister said yesterday.

Camille Vital said 16 officers surrendered, ending an impasse that began last Wednesday when a faction of officers declared they were taking over from President Andry Rajoelina.

Hundreds of soldiers loyal to Mr Rajoelina had converged on a base near Antananarivo's airport, where the mutineers were holed up.

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More News on the End of Madagascar's Coup Attempt

Madagascar PM says mutiny ends without bloodshed -- AP
Madagascan army crushes three-day mutiny -- Sydney Morning Herald
Coup attempt ends in Madagascar -- CNN
Soldiers end Madagascar officer 'mutiny' -- BBC
Madagascar forces storm rebel base -- Al Jazeera
Madagascan Soldier Says Dissident Officers Surrendered -- Voice of America
Army Storms Rebel Outpost in Madagascar -- New York Times
Madagascar Coup Leaders Surrender After Army Storms Barracks -- Bloomberg
Madagascar delays mayoral polls as mutiny quashed -- AFP

Madagascar Still Tense As Support For Coup Wanes

More Talks Between Government, Rebel Soldiers In Madagascar -- Voice of America

Madagascar's army chief has met with rebel soldiers who threatened to topple the government earlier this week.

On Friday Andre Ndriarijoana entered the camp that has been seized by the rebel soldiers but left later without making a public statement. Security forces later fired tear gas to disperse a crowd that had gathered near the site.

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More News On The Coup Attempt In Madagascar

Madagascar army rejects use of force against rebels -- Reuters
Madagascar orders evacuation near coup bid barracks -- BBC
Evacuation ordered in Madagascar after coup bid -- Yahoo News/AP
Coup Attempt Seems to Founder in Madagascar -- New York Times
Coup attempt in Madagascar apparently comes undone -- New York Times/Boston.com
Madagascar general says power take-over bid unchanged -- Yahoo News/AFP
Madagascar plot stokes pressure on Rajoelin -- Reuters
Madagascar Military Negotiates with Mutineers; Country Awaits Referendum Results -- Voice of America
Madagascar: Coup attempt, as referendum takes place -- Global Voices

Coup Attempt In Madagascar Losing Support

Colonel Charles Andrianasoavina declared a group of military officers had overthrown Madagascar's government, but President Andry Rajoelina dismissed them as an irrelevant minority. Photograph: Reuters TV

Madagascar In Limbo After Attempted Coup -- The Guardian

Political future uncertain as dissident army officers who declared overthrow of government remain holed up in barracks

Madagascar's political future remains on a knife-edge today as it awaits the next move between its president and the coup plotters determined to oust him.

A group of about 20 dissident military officers, who yesterday made a premature declaration that they had overthrown the government, is holed up in their barracks while the streets remain calm.

President Andry Rajoelina, who at 36 is Africa's youngest leader, claimed the rebels had threatened to assassinate him but dismissed them as an irrelevant minority.

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More News On The Attempted Coup In Madagascar

Officers take refuge after coup bid -- Press Association
Madagascar mutineers in talks -- AFP
Rajoelina reaffirms control of situation in Madagascar after attempted coup -- Xinhuanet
PM says situation is ‘under control’ despite coup claims -- France24
Ex-Madagascar PM Calls for Dialogue to Resolve Crisis -- Voice of America
The coup that wasn't -- The Economist
Coup attempt threatens Madagascar's uneasy path to democracy -- Christian Science Monitor

Coup Attempt In Madagascar -- News Roundup For November 17, 2010

Coup Attempt Reported In Madagascar -- New York Times

JOHANNESBURG — Military officers in Madagascar on Wednesday proclaimed they had seized the government, and the mutinous group included some of the same men who had taken over the country last year and handed power to the president they now seek to topple.

The streets in Antananarivo, the capital, remained calm into the evening, leaving residents to wonder what would result from the latest twist in what has now become a two-year epic of political intrigue, with constant rumors of coups and even the occasional attempt. The question hovered: Would this mutiny succeed or merely be another dashed power play?

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More News On The Attempted Coup In Madagascar

Madagascar military group claims takeover -- Yahoo News/AP
Rebel troops claim Madagascar government suspended -- Yahoo News/AFP
Madagascar officers in coup claim -- BBC
Madagascar officers 'make coup bid' -- Al Jazeera
Military group claims coup victory on election day -- France24
Madagascar troops vow to crush any rebellion -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Madagascar premier: Coup leaders aimed to discredit constitutional referendum -- Christian Science Monitor
Coup attempt threatens Madagascar's uneasy path to democracy -- Christian Science Monitor
Madagascar referendum could deepen political crisis -- Blessing-Miles Tendi, the Guardian

Coup In Madagascar?

Madagascar Officers In Coup Claim -- BBC

Military officers in Madagascar say they have taken over the island nation.

Col Charles Andrianasoavina, who made the announcement, was one of the officers behind a coup that brought Andre Rajoelina to power last year.

The situation is unclear but Reuters news agency quoted military police chief as saying other senior officers would intervene if it was a mutiny.

The announcement came as Madagascans voted in a referendum on a controversial new constitution.

Madagascar has been beset by instability for several years.

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More News On Coup Claims In Madagascar

Madagascar military group claims takeover -- Yahoo News/AP
Madagascar top military vows to crush coup attempt -- Reuters
Madagascar top military officers meet after coup claim -- Reuters
Madagascan Army Group Calls for Coup; Rajoelina Says in Control -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Army general claims Madagascar government suspended -- Times of India
Claims Of Military Coup In Madagascar -- Eurasia Review

WNU Editor: This is a breaking news story. Other Generals in Madagascar are stating that if this is a coup, they will intervene in favor of the government. We will update this story as more news and information comes in.

Is Madagascar Becoming A Military Dictatorship?

Photo: Many victims in the clashes suffered gunshot wounds. Photo from Al Jazeera

Army Raids Madagascar Constitutional Court -- AFP

ANTANANARIVO (AFP) — Armed forces raided the offices of Madagascar's constitutional court on Monday, firing warning shots in the air and arresting at least three renegade soldiers.

An AFP correspondent saw several soldiers enter the building and fire at least three warning shots.

The military operation was aimed at rounding up remnants of the armed forces who have remained loyal to ousted president Marc Ravalomanana, several sources told AFP.

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More News On Madagascar

Soldiers storm Madagascar court -- BBC
Fresh clashes in Madagascar -- IOL
Two die in new violence in Madagascar capital: reports -- Washington Post
2 killed, 6 injured in Madagascar unrest -- AP
Dozens hurt in Madagascar clashes -- Al Jazeera
Madagascar : Transitional government is trampling on freedom of speech -- Global Voices

The Coup In Madagascar -- News Updates For March 20, 2009

Madagascar's new president Andry Rajoelina Photo: REUTERS

Madagascar Power Grab Denounced As Coup D'Etat By EU -- The Telegraph

Madagascar's acting president Andry Rajoelina suspended parliament on Thursday as the international community slammed his army-backed rise to the helm of the Indian Ocean island as undemocratic.

The European Union considers the army-backed ousting of the democratically elected president in Madagascar to be a coup d'etat, the Czech EU presidency said Thursday.

"This was a coup d'etat, this was not a democratic election," Karel Schwarzenberg, the Czech foreign minister, said after the first day of a two-day EU summit in Brussels.

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More News On Madagascar

African Union suspends Madagascar -- Yahoo News/AP
AU suspends Madagascar, U.S. to halt aid -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Madagascar: African Union Suspends New Govt Over 'Coup' -- All Africa
African Union suspends Madagascar, threatens sanctions -- CNN
SADC troika calls for sanctions on Madagascar -- Reuters
Daewoo finds African land is a risky business -- Reuters
FACTBOX-Foreign forays into African farming -- Reuters

Aftermath Of The Coup In Madagascar -- News Updates

Andy Rajoelina, the newly appointed Madagascar's president, speaks to reporters in front of the Presidential Palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 19, 2009. Madagascar's transitional government decided on March 19 to suspend the functioning of the two houses of the parliament, the National Assembly and the Senate.(Xinhua Photo)

Madagascar Power Switch Denounced As 'Coup' -- Yahoo News/AFP

ANTANANARIVO (AFP) – Madagascar's acting president Andry Rajoelina suspended parliament Thursday as the international community slammed his army-backed rise to the helm of the Indian Ocean island as undemocratic.

Two days after 34-year-old Rajoelina unseated president Marc Ravalomanana, his cabinet's first move was to suspend parliament and replace it with two new bodies tasked with administering the country until fresh polls are held.

Since the army forced Ravalomanana to step down on Tuesday and handed power to Rajoelina -- a former disc jockey and sacked mayor of Antananarivo -- the international community had largely delayed its response.

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More News On The Coup in Madagascar

Southern African Nations Refuse to Recognize Madagascar Leader -- Voice Of America
Africans reject Madagascar leader -- BBC
African group rejects Madagascar's new leader -- CNN
Southern Africa rejects Madagascar's new leader -- AP
Madagascar 'coup' riles African, international allies -- Christian Science Monitor
Madagascan parliament suspended -- China View
ANALYSIS-Madagascar could face more instability -- Reuters

Madagascar President Hands Power Over To Military

Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina parades through the narrow streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar, after taking control of the seat of power at the downtown presidential office, Tuesday March 17, 2009. Rajoelina called on the military to arrest the nation's president as a power struggle between the two appeared to be reaching a decisive moment. Dozens of soldiers took over a deserted presidential palace that had been the site of deadly clashes between anti-government protesters and the army earlier this year. The president was in another palace in the city during the operation late Monday. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

From Yahoo News/AP:

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – Madagascar's president ceded power Tuesday after weeks of turmoil on the Indian Ocean island as his rival took control of a presidential palace and paraded through the capital surrounded by armed soldiers and an adoring crowd.

But President Marc Ravalomanana said he would hand power to the military only — not to opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who already has declared himself head of a transitional government and took an oath of office Tuesday.

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My Comment: Another violent overthrow of an elected government in Africa.

Madagascar President Resigns: Diplomats

An security guard attempts to hold back supporters of Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana as they gather near the main square of the Madagascan capital on February 14, 2009. Photograph by: WALTER ASTRADA, AFP/Getty Images

From Yahoo News/AFP:

ANTANANARIVO (AFP) – Marc Ravalomanana has resigned as Madagascar's president and transferred power to the military, diplomats told AFP Tuesday on condition of anonymity.

"The order signed by Ravalomanana transfers the powers of the president and the prime minister to a military board," one diplomat said.

Several other sources confirmed the 59-year-old leader's resignation.

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More News On Madagascar

Madagascar president quits, transfers power to army -- Channel News Asia
Aide says Madagascar president to step down -- Reuters
Madagascar president holed up in palace -- AP
Madagascar president 'to resign' -- BBC
Army Occupies Madagascar Presidential Palace -- Voice of America
Madagascar Opposition Head Prepares Move Into Presidential Office -- Bloomberg
Madagascar Soldiers Aid Mayor's Coup Attempt -- Wall Street Journal
Army Moves Against President in Madagascar -- The Times
Madagascar security forces clamp down on protests -- Vancouver Sun
Madagascar Soldiers Take Presidential Palace -- Toronto Star
Pressure Grows on Madagascar Head -- BBC News

BREAKING!!!!!: Military Uprising Underway In Madagascar -- News Updates March 16, 2009

Madagascar: Is A Coup Underway? -- Foreign Policy Blog

After several months of opposition protests, now, Madagascar president Marc Ravalomanana has been forced to camp outside of the capital while tanks and gunmen break into his presidential compound. Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina has proclaimed himself leader, having appointed prime ministers and a cabinet. And he has called for the current president's arrest with the apparent support of at least part of the army.

Rajoelina claims all this is not a coup d'etat, but... can he suggest a better name?

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More News On Madagascar

Dozens of soldiers seize a palace in Madagascar -- Yahoo News/AP
Army storms Madagascar presidential palace -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Army storms Madagascan presidency -- Yahoo News/AFP
Army Occupies Madagascar Presidential Palace -- Voice Of America
Explosion, gunfire in Madagascar capital -- Reuters
Army storms Madagascar presidential palace -- Deutsche Welle
Madagascar army takes over palace, central bank -- CBC
Violence flares at Madagascar palace -- CNN
Madagascar Roiled by Power Struggle -- Time Magazine
Madagascar views on power struggle -- BBC
Peace Corps pulls out of Madagascar due to unrest -- AP

Madagascar Opposition Rejects President’s Referendum Calls, Demands His Immediate Resignation

Photo: Madagascan President Marc Ravalomanana says on Sunday that they would organize a referendum if necessary to settle the political crisis in the Indian Ocean island country, March 15, 2009.(Xinhua/AFP Photo)

From Voice Of America:

Partisans of Madagascar's opposition are expected to besiege the presidential palace today (Monday) to force President Marc Ravalomanana to step down. This follows claims by the opposition leader that he has the backing of the national army after some officers refused to take orders from Ravalomanana's government. Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina reiterated his call for the president's resignation in a political stalemate that is threatening to destabilize the country. President Ravalomanana however called for a referendum Sunday, saying calls for his resignation are illegal and an affront to democracy. Patricia Rajeriarison is a resident of the Malagasy capital, Antananarivo. She tells reporter Peter Clottey that Malagasies are confused about who is really in charge of the country.

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My Comment: Rejecting a referendum/election is going to make the situation worse. Both sides are now rapidly approaching a point of no return.

Madagascar In Turmoil -- News Updates March 15, 2009

Supporters of Madagascar’s opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina, at a rally in Antananarivo on Saturday. Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters

Madagascar Reaches Showdown for Control -- New York Times

JOHANNESBURG — Madagascar’s chief opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina, emerged from two weeks of hiding on Saturday, declared he was taking charge of the nation and told a crowd of thousands of cheering supporters that he was giving the president, Marc Ravalomanana, a deadline to step down.

“We will wait four hours,” he declared, delivering his ultimatum. He promised that when the time was up, he would personally walk to Iavoloha Palace and tell the embattled and increasingly isolated president to move along.

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More News On Madagascar

Madagascar president offers poll -- BBC
Madagascar president concedes referendum option -- Yahoo News/AFP
Madagascar's President Rejects Opposition Claims -- Voice of America
Opposition claims victory, but President won't go -- Sydney Morning Herald
Madagascar opposition leader says controls army -- Yahoo News/Reuters
A face-off intensifies in Madagascar -- International Herald Tribune
Crisis isolates Madagascan leader -- BBC
Ex-DJ spins for power in Madagascar -- Sydney Morning News

Madagascar In Crisis -- News Upadtes March 14, 2009

Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina (L) greets his supporters with Monja Roindefo, the man he named prime minister, during a rally in Antananarivo March 14, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Madagascar Leader Rejects Opposition Power Claim -- Yahoo News/AP

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – Madagascar's isolated president resisted demands to quit Saturday and denied opposition claims that it was in control of the government.

Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina had given President Marc Ravalomanana four hours to dissolve the government and give up the leadership of this poor Indian Ocean island of 20 million people. The opposition moved without resistance into the offices of the prime minister and proclaimed its own premier on Saturday.

"There is only one solution. The resignation of Marc Ravalomanana," Rajoelina told a crowd of about 10,000 jubilant demonstrators.

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More News On Madagascar

Madagascar president denies rival power grab -- Yahoo News/AFP
Madagascar opposition deadline passes -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Madagascar: Opposition Launches New Bid to Seize Power -- AllAfrica
Fears of violence, as opposition claims victory in Madagascar -- Euronews
FACTBOX-Key players in Madagascar's political turmoil -- Reuters
Q+A-Where is Madagascar's political crisis going? -- Reuters

Tanks Deployed In Madagascar -- Civil War Looms

Rebel Troops Deploy Tanks in Madagascar’s Capital -- New York Times

ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Dissident soldiers deployed tanks in Madagascar's capital on Friday and said they would use them to fight any mercenaries hired in a power struggle that has killed 135 people on the Indian Ocean island.

The troops have broken away from the traditionally neutral security forces, saying they wanted to bring order to a country torn by a stand-off between President Marc Ravalomanana and opposition leader Andry Rajoelina.

Ravalomanana urged city residents to organize themselves to repel the mutineers and defend the presidential palace.

In the worst civil unrest for years, it is unclear who controls the government or military. The crisis is crippling the country's $390 million-a-year tourism industry.

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More News On The Crisis In Madagascar

Madagascar mutineers say they are deploying tanks -- AP
Mutinous Troops in Madagascar Say They Control Army Tanks -- Voice Of America
Madagascar tensions mount as rivals dig in heels -- Yahoo News/AFP
'Civil War Looms' in Madagascar -- BBC News
Madagascar Police Defy Government -- BBC News
Crowd rallies to Madagascar head -- BBC
Malagasy president urges public to repel rebels -- World Bulletin
Army proves to be Madagascar's rock -- IOL
FACTBOX-Key facts on Madagascar -- Reuters

'Civil War Looms' In Madagascar

From The BBC:

The US ambassador to Madagascar has warned the country is heading for civil war after pro-opposition soldiers forced the army chief to resign.

Niels Marquardt said he was concerned and saddened by the Indian Ocean island's six-week political crisis.

Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade has now offered to host peace talks.

Army chief Edmond Rasolofomahandry had on Tuesday given the country's political rivals 72 hours to end a dispute which has paralysed Madagascar.

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More News On Madagascar

Madagascar on the verge of civil war, US ambassador warns -- The Guardian
Madagascar president urges army to stay neutral -- International Herald Tribune
But dissident soldiers took over the army HQ and forced him to resign -- Washington Post
Madagascar police defy government -- BBC
Madagascar president vows to restore peace -- AFP
'Crisis talks shelved' -- News24
Madagascar crisis deepens -- Financial Times
SCENARIOS: What next in Madagascar's crisis? -- Reuters

BREAKING!!!!! -- Coup In Madagascar?

Madagascar's new army chief, Colonel Andre Andriarijaona (2nd R) speaks to the press after he was sworn in at a ceremony at the military headquarters in the capital Antananarivo. Madagascar's army chief was sacked and replaced Wednesday, the military said, a day after he warned leaders that his troops would take power unless a months-long political crisis was resolved. (AFP/Gregoire Pourtier)

Rebel Soldier Ousts Madagascar's Army Chief -- Reuters

* Rebel soldier ousts head of army

* U.S. ambassador warns of danger of civil war

* Embassies threaten aid suspension in event of coup

* Senegal invites rival leaders to peace talks

ANTANANARIVO, March 11 (Reuters) - A rebel soldier declared himself head of Madagascar's army on Wednesday, ousting the general who had given the island's feuding leaders a three-day ultimatum to resolve the political crisis.

Army chief General Edmond Rasolomahandry had on Tuesday asked President Marc Ravalomanana and opposition leader Andry Rajoelina to unite within 72 hours to end weeks of troubles that have killed about 135 people and damaged the economy.

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Update: Madagascar army chief replaced after coup threat: military -- Yahoo News/AFP

My Comment: This is a Breaking Story. We will update as news becomes available.

Military Rule Looms In Madagascar After Ultimatum

From the Mail & Guardian:

Madagascar's army chief warned on Tuesday his troops would take control of the Indian Ocean island if political leaders failed to resolve a worsening crisis within 72 hours.

Chief of staff Edmond Rasolofomahandry called on political groups and leaders across Madagascan society, as well as foreign envoys, to work for a solution to the political crisis that has roiled the island state off Africa's east coast for more than three months.

The United States State Department, meanwhile, said it was allowing non-essential staff to leave its embassy in Madagascar as it issued a new travel warning over "escalating civil unrest" which has now forced the defence minister to quit.

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Update: UN guards Madagascar opposition leader -- Mail And Guardian

My Comment: It looks like another African coup is in the making.