afrol News, 16 March - (UPDATE) There is unofficially a coup in Madagascar, though diplomatic semantics may want to call it otherwise.

Army personnel today broke through the gates of the presidential palace in Antananarivo, though President Marc Ravalomanana was reported to be in another palace outside the city.

The break in followed earlier calls in the day, by the young opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina, for the president to be arrested. He had also in the morning reject an offer by the president that the standoff be decided by a referendum.

The opposition has established a parallel government, with reports from the country, saying the young opposition leader had claimed to have been at a cabinet meeting.

Mr Rajoelina declared himself president at the weekend and also appointed his second in command, the prime minister.

The situation in Madagascar which had earlier been dismissed as a political circus has now taken an about-turn, with the mutinying army now openly supporting Mr Rajoelina.

The African Union Peace and Security Council today in a mild statement only said any attempt by opposition forces to oust Madagascar elected president would be taken as coup d’etat.

The council had met yesterday in an emergency meeting, calling on the people of Madagascar to restraint from further hostility and to respect their constitution, after Madagascar ambassador to the African Union Jean Pierre Rakotoarivony reportedly appealed to the AU to support President Ravalomanana.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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