Security forces broke up anti-government demonstrators in Madagascar’s capital on Thursday, a day after opposition leader Andry Rajoelina broke off talks aimed at ending political unrest.
The security forces fired stun grenades to disperse around 3 000 protesters gathered near a sports stadium which houses the Antananarivo mayor’s offices.
Officials said there were no casualties.
Rajoelina, who was sacked as mayor last month, announced on Wednesday he was breaking off talks with President Marc Ravalomanana aimed at ending a deadly weeks-old power struggle and resuming mass street action.
Rajoelina told reporters he would no longer participate in the negotiations after Ravalomanana failed to show up for the latest round of talks on Wednesday.
His announcement followed the withdrawal of Odon Razanakolona, chairperson of the island’s Christian Council of Churches, as mediator because of lack of progress in the previous three rounds of negotiations.
”It’s a complete deadlock,” he said.
Around 100 people have been killed in political violence in Madagascar since January 26. — Sapa-AFP