Madagascar forces use tear gas on protesters heading to presidential palace

Madagascar forces use tear gas on protesters

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Security forces have used tear gas to disperse protesters in Madagascar’s capital near the presidential palace.

The demonstrators, who are aligned with three of the country’s previous presidents, went to present the country’s military-backed leader with a letter Wednesday.

Andry Rajoelina seized power on the Indian Ocean island last year. He recently declared that an internationally-mediated agreement to create a transitional coalition was null and void, and says he will hold elections in March.

The protesters’ letter questions whether or not Rajoelina still wants reconciliation.

The African Union has suspended Madagascar until it holds fair and transparent elections.