ANTANANARIVO: Madagascar's security forces on Sunday accused protesters of violence during the deadly ongoing youth-led unrest, saying their response was provoked by the crowd's behaviour. The Indian Ocean island has seen near-daily rallies over alleged misgovernance and water and power cuts, with protesters clashing with security forces in the capital Antananarivo.
"Certain individuals engaged in violent acts and did not comply with the instructions of the security forces," said the joint command, which counts the army, police and gendarmerie within its ranks. "Measures taken by the security forces on the ground depend on the behaviour of the protesters," it said.
Calm returned to Antananarivo on Sunday, with only churchgoers and worshippers seen gathering as they came to and from services. The scene was in stark contrast to the day before, when thousands took to the streets demanding President Andry Rajoelina's resignation, prompting police to fire volleys of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Pro-government supporters also held a rally in the capital, though it drew fewer participants than the opposition protest. The president sacked the government on Monday in an attempt to placate public anger. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
