At least 28 dead in Madagascan political protest
Youths carry an injured man after security forces opened fire, killing at least 28 people, on an anti-government protest in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Madagascar's opposition will stage more protests against President Marc Ravalomanana despite the killing of at least 28 anti-government demonstrators, its leader said yesterday.
Security forces patrolled the streets around the presidential palace where thousands of demonstrators clashed with riot police on Saturday.
The main hospital in Antananarivo, capital of the Indian Ocean island, was crowded with hundreds of wounded supporters of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who was sacked as the capital's mayor five days ago.
"I condemn you Mr Ravalomanana. Was there a life in the palace to protect? Did the defence of these offices require the spilling of all this blood?" Mr Rajoelina said in a statement aired on his private television station yesterday.
He said the fight would continue until the "final victory" and called for those responsible for the shootings to be arrested.
Michelle Ratsivalaka, named by the opposition as mayor after Mr Rajoelina's sacking, said the bodies of those killed on Saturday would be taken to a gymnasium for a mass service.
The government has also appointed a caretaker administration at city hall.
"Up to now we count 28 dead and 212 injured in the capital's three main hospitals," police commander Lala Rakotonirina said.
Some 128 people have died in two weeks of civil unrest stoked by a power struggle between Mr Ravalomanana and Mr Rajoelina.
The president blamed the opposition for Saturday's deaths and described the events as scandalous and intolerable.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said those responsible for the violence should be brought to justice.
"He deplores the violence and lack of restraint on all sides that led to this tragedy," a UN statement said.
Mr Ban urged all the involved parties to resolve their differences through peaceful and democratic means and said the UN was ready to help.
Mr Ravalomanana denies opposition accusations that he is a dictator.
- Alain Iloniaina in Antananarivo
