Madagascar Troops 'Stage Mutiny'

[tekisui]

Source: Al Jazeera

Soldiers in a large military camp in Madagascar have staged a mutiny, claiming they would no longer take orders from the government, reports say.

Access roads to a military camp in the Soanierana district outside of the capital Antananarivo were reportedly blocked by mutinous soldiers on Sunday.

"We no longer take orders from our hierarchy, we are following our hearts. We were trained to protect property and citizens, not to fire at people. We are with the people," one of them told the AFP news agency.

A government spokesperson told Al Jazeera that around 70 soldiers were involved in the mutiny and had taken some low-ranking officers hostage.

She said the mutiny was a result of an internal dispute within the army.

more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/03/200938135546136393.html

[Lost in CT]

1. Troops pictured below...

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. BBC says they have said they follow the opposition leader

Officers in a military camp near Madagascar's capital of Antananarivo have mutinied, refusing to take any more orders from the government.

A BBC reporter in the capital says a group of officers announced they would now follow opposition leader and former city mayor Andry Rajoelina.

Antananarivo is peaceful despite the announcement, our correspondent adds.

Madagascar is in the grip of a fierce power struggle between Mr Rajoelina and President Marc Ravalomanana.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7931293.stm