AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - “The bloodshed has incited the population,” Fides sources say

Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) - “Our reports show that over 40 persons have died and over 200 are wounded,” Agenzia Fides learned from sources at Radio Don Bosco in Anatananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, where on Saturday, February 7, the Presidential Guard opened fire on demonstrators as they approached the official headquarters of President Marc Ravalomanana.
The demonstration had been organized by former mayor Andry Rajoelina, who was dismissed by the central government and has begun an intense campaign against President Ravalomanana (see Fides 5/2/2009).
“We received a statement allegedly from the Defense Minister Cecile Manorohanta, which we are trying to verify for its authenticity, in which he announces his resignation upon the claim that he was not in favor of the use of force against demonstrators. According to many, the Defense Minister's stepping down is just the tip of the iceberg and that in the hours to come, there will be more Ministers doing the same,” our sources said. According to media sources, the Minister of Justice Bakolalao Ramanandraibe Ranaivoharivony has also presented his resignation.
“This new bloodshed (before, police sources claimed there were 44 dead from the fighting, while independent sources reported 120 dead) has incited the population: many are now calling for the President's resignation,” Fides sources continued.
The manifestation of the February 7 was attended by thousands of people. “When the demonstrators began approaching the Presidential Offices (not the personal residence which is located in the downtown area of the city), the Presidential Guard began firing point blank all of a sudden, without first firing in the air as a warning or spraying tear gas. Those who died were nearly all young people; among them were people from the province, showing that this is not simply a radical movement in the capital city, but is a nationwide issue,” sources of Fides explained.
On Saturday, there was supposed to be a rally with popular singer “Rossy” who is living in exile in France (see Fides 3/2/2009). “Rossy did not show, as flights to Madagascar had been canceled due to technical problems,” our sources said.
On behalf of the Forum of Christian Churches in Madagascar (FFKM, which includes the Catholic Church, the Reformed Protestant Church of Madagascar, the Lutheran and Anglican Churches), its President, Catholic Archbishop Odon Marie Arsène Razanakolona of Antananarivo, has sharply criticized Saturday's bloodshed and has asked the two sides to enter into dialogue. “In the coming hours, we expect another announcement from the FFKM and a statement from the Catholic Church,” Fides sources said.
Andry Rajoelina, who last week declared himself President in opposition to the current Head of State Ravalomanana and then announced the formation of a transitional government led by Zafitsimivalo Monja Roindefo, has asked that a day of national mourning be declared. Rajoelina intends to meet with the UN Special Envoy to Madagascar, Haile Menkerios, who also has plans to meet with the President. The opposition is calling for the President's resignation, accusing him of having limited civil liberties and using public funds for private interests. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 9/2/2009)