afrol News, 20 February - At least eight people are believed to have been shot dead when security forces opened fire on opposition supporters in an operation to retake control of government buildings.

The operation this morning, which government sources only said the joint army and police force shot in the air, was in a desperate attempt to regain control, to at least four ministerial buildings which the opposition supporters had managed to occupy in their campaign to unseat president March Ravalomanana.

To date, more than 125 people are reported to have been killed since opposition protests calling for the stepping down of the Malagasy were mounted, and receiving less attention from president Ravalomanana who was re-elected for a second five-year term in 2006.

Over the past two weeks, international mediators have engaged in several discussions with both the ruling league and the opposition, but with little effect outside the boardrooms.

Supporters of the sacked Mayor of Antananarivo and opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina have continued their campaign and even tried to install their own people to replace Mr Ravalomanana's government.

The United Nations has been leading the mediation talks, with support from the African Union, SADC and other bodies.

Latest violence in Madagascar has crippled the country's tourism while reports have also pointed out at a sharp declining business confidence in the island.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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