2010-11-18 16:11:54

Coup attempt falters in Madagascar


An attempt by a handful of dissident troops to take over the government of Madagascar
appeared to be foundering on Thursday, a day after a referendum meant to secure the power of the current president.

A 20-strong group of officers announced on Wednesday they had dissolved government institutions and set up a military council to run the country, but by mid-afternoon on Thursday Prime Minister Camilla Vital says the government is in complete control.

“Until now everything has been under control. Things have been going normally,” he said.

“Those officers, I don’t know what got into their head, but they … acted against the interests of the nation.”

The unrest on Wednesday coincided with a referendum on a new draft constitution that would lower the minimum age for a president to 35, allowing 36 year-old president Andry Rajoelina to stay in office and run again in election scheduled for May 4, 2011.

The former mayor of the capital came to power in a coup early last year, replacing the unpopular Marc Ravalomanana.

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