In Madagascar, the week began with a new march by the “collective of 11” in Antananarivo. At a meeting on Saturday October 28, the presidential candidates promised that the protest would intensify in the coming days. The tension, in any case, rose slightly a notch this Monday morning, October 30, when supporters of Andry Rajoelina took over the scene of the opposition demonstration.
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From our correspondent in Antananarivo,
They had to meet at the Ampasapito roundabout at 11 a.m. On site, opposition supporters found themselves face to face with a few dozen orange activists, the color of Andry Rajoelina’s party. They simply came to campaign, assures Perle, carried away by the song of support for the outgoing president.
“ We make propaganda for number 3, because this is our place, 5th arrondissement. Even if there are 11 candidates, who cares. Because he’s our president, and I’m proud of him. We didn’t want a fight, even if he provokes us, we’re calm. »
If the presence of pro-Rajoelina activists is seen as a provocation in the ranks of the opposition, the march was able to take place generally calmly, despite altercations when the two parties crossed paths. A climate that does not discourage the collective, assures Roland Ratsiraka, candidate no. 12.
“ They come here to bother us. We won’t give up. As usual, we are calling for free, transparent elections accepted by all. And for now, the regime doesn’t want to know anything. And the worst is that the HCC is complicit on several occasions with candidate No. 3, and that is becoming more and more unbearable. »
On Saturday, they called on the armed forces to take “their responsibilities” in the current crisis. And declared that the success of the movement would require the capture of the very symbolic May 13 Square.
Read alsoMadagascar: the “collective of 11” toughens its tone and plans to take over the Place du 13-Mai