Madagascar's president blasts 'coup' attempt as protests flare

Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina condemned Friday what he said was an attempt to topple his government, as fresh protests flared against the political elite and years of misrule.

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The poverty-stricken Indian Ocean island has been rocked by near-daily demonstrations called on social media by a movement known as “Gen Z”, to which security forces have responded with arrests, tear gas and bullets.

The protests forced Mr Rajoelina to sack his government on Monday and invite dialogue to restore order.

But that was not enough to placate the anger, and demonstrators have demanded the president's resignation over his government's failure to reliably deliver basic services, including water and electricity.