The events in Madagascar have taken a tragic turn. L’Express de Madagascar reports that on Saturday 7 February, there was a demonstration by supporters of the opposition to President Ravalomanana. The crowd seemed to try to move on the presidential palace. The guards at the palace opened fire and at least 28 people were killed and over 200 injured.

At the meeting before the events on Saturday, the opposition leader and self-proclaimed head of the executive, Andry Rajoelina, had proclaimed himself president of the ‘High Council of Transition’. He also named a ‘prime minister’, Monja Roindefo, at the meeting. Fr.allafrica.com suggests that the crowd may have been encouraged to march on the presidential palace.

On Monday 9 February, the Defence Minister resigned, thereby distancing the administration from the events.