Madagascar’s armed forces minister refuses to leave office after his firing
By APThursday, April 8, 2010
Madagascar armed forces head refuses to leave
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Madagascar’s armed forces minister says that he refuses to leave his office, a day after the Indian Ocean island’s military-backed leader fired him on rumors of a coup.
Gen. Noel Rakotonandrasana, who aided the former disc jockey seize power last year, said in a press conference Thursday that he had no plans to stage a coup, and would not leave his position.
Andry Rajoelina overthrew Marc Ravalomanana in March 2009 after weeks of protests left dozens of people dead. African countries denounced Rajoelina’s takeover and suspended the country from the African Union.
The African Union imposed sanctions in March of this year on Madagascar after Rajoelina failed to implement a power-sharing deal prompted by last year’s coup.
