Army gives ultimatum:

Military rule looms in Madagascar

MADAGASCAR: Madagascar’s Army Chief warned on Tuesday his troops would wrest control of the Indian Ocean island if political leaders failed to resolve a worsening crisis within 72 hours.

Chief of staff Edmond Rasolofomahandry called on political groups and leaders across Madagascan society, as well as foreign envoys, to work for a solution to the political crisis that has dragged for more than three months.

The United Nations said it was “closely engaged with the efforts under way to urge a peaceful resolution to the political crisis,” deputy spokeswoman Marie Okabe told a press briefing.

The US State Department meanwhile said it was allowing non-essential staff to leave its embassy as it issued a new travel warning over “escalating civil unrest” which has now forced the defence minister to quit. Rasolofomahandry said his forces “promised not to take sides,” but was ready to step in, failing a breakthrough.

“If a solution is not found after the 72 hours, then we, the armed forces, we will take responsibility for running national affairs and protect the national interest and unity.”

The army flexed its muscles hours earlier by forcing the resignation of Defence Minister Mamy Ranaivoniarivo. A military committee had demanded he step down for ordering soldiers to put down anti-government protests.

ANTANANARIVO, Wednesday, AFP