Madagascar president denounces 'coup' attempt

MADAGASCAN President Andry Rajo-elina condemned yesterday 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 poor Indian Ocean island has been rocked by days of fatal clashes between demonstrators and security forces, who have responded with arrests, tear gas and bullets.

Called to action on social media through a movement called “Gen Z”, the protests forced Rajoelina to sack his government on Monday and invite dialogue to restore order.

But demonstrators have demanded the president's resignation over his failure to deliver basic services, including water and electricity.

“They have been exploited to provoke a coup,” the 51-year-old leader said in a live video on his Facebook page Friday in reference to the mostly young protesters. “What I want to tell you is that some people want to destroy our country,” he said.

“Countries and agencies paid for this movement to get me out, not through elections, but for profit to take power like other African countries.

“That’s why I tell you to be very careful,” he said, also blaming “mass manipulation” on a “cyberattack”.