Madagascar dissolves government

Nation & World News

Photos of chaos in Madagascar

Madagascar's president announced Tuesday that he was dissolving the government and handing power to the military after weeks of struggle with the leader of the opposition on the impoverished Indian Ocean island. Here, supporters cheer opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as he parades through the narrow streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Rajoelina has accused President Marc Ravalomanana of misspending public funds and undermining democracy.

Tensions have been rising since late January, when the government blocked an opposition radio station's signal. Rajoelina supporters set fire to a building in the government broadcasting complex as well as an oil depot, a shopping mall and a private TV station linked to Ravalomanana. Scores of people were killed. Supporters of Rajoelina gather for a rally.

African Union Commission Chairman Jean Ping said if the military leadership handed power to Rajoelina, the capital's former mayor, that would violate the constitution and be considered a coup. He said the military should arrange elections. Here, rebel soldiers lead the convoy bringing Rajoelina to a rally.

Madagascar has a history of political infighting and instability. Rebel soldiers guard the downtown presidential office.

On Monday, Rajoelina called on the army to arrest the president, but soldiers refused.

Rebel soldiers loyal to opposition leader Rajoelina take position around the downtown presidential office.

Rajoelina parades through Antananarivo, Madagascar after taking control of the seat of power at the downtown presidential office.

A rebel soldier takes position around the downtown presidential office.

Over the weekend, Rajoelina declared himself president of a transitional government and promised new presidential elections within two years.

Armed guards lead the way as Rajoelina parades through Antananarivo, Madagascar.

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Madagascar's president announced Tuesday that he was dissolving the government and handing power to the military after weeks of struggle with the leader of the opposition on the impoverished Indian Ocean island. Here, supporters cheer opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as he parades through the narrow streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

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