Troops Loyal to President End Attempted Coup in Madagascar
- 14 years ago
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Soldiers surround army barracks as they quash an attempted coup in Madagascar.
The four-day mutiny by rebel officers ended Saturday with a brief gunfight outside the capital Antananarivo.
The officers called on the army to overthrow President Andry Rajoelina as the country voted Wednesday on a constitution that would allow him to stay in office.
Military officials said 16 dissidents were arrested after they surrendered.
No casualties were reported.
[Unnamed Corps Commander]:
"They have already left, the prisoners are escorted and we will join them at the presidential palace."
Backed by key military figures, the 36-year-old Rajoelina ousted President Marc Ravalomanana last year.
Unrest has rippled through the country with both camps holding demonstrations.
The international community condemned the power grab - and sanctions, instability and political infighting have hurt Madagascar's economy.
The island nation is the biggest vanilla producer in the world and also has oil, nickel, cobalt and uranium deposits.
Soldiers surround army barracks as they quash an attempted coup in Madagascar.
The four-day mutiny by rebel officers ended Saturday with a brief gunfight outside the capital Antananarivo.
The officers called on the army to overthrow President Andry Rajoelina as the country voted Wednesday on a constitution that would allow him to stay in office.
Military officials said 16 dissidents were arrested after they surrendered.
No casualties were reported.
[Unnamed Corps Commander]:
"They have already left, the prisoners are escorted and we will join them at the presidential palace."
Backed by key military figures, the 36-year-old Rajoelina ousted President Marc Ravalomanana last year.
Unrest has rippled through the country with both camps holding demonstrations.
The international community condemned the power grab - and sanctions, instability and political infighting have hurt Madagascar's economy.
The island nation is the biggest vanilla producer in the world and also has oil, nickel, cobalt and uranium deposits.