Soldiers end Madagascar officer ‘mutiny’
November 21, 2010 - 0:0
Madagascan troops have stormed an army barracks occupied by rebel soldiers, ending a three-day mutiny.
Gunshots rang out shortly before reports emerged that the rebels had given themselves up for arrest.The mutineers had been holed up in the barracks near the airport of the capital, Antananarivo, since announcing a takeover of the island on Thursday.
Some of the rebels were themselves part of a coup that brought President Andry Rajoelina to power in 2009.
Mr Rajoelina has been diplomatically isolated since coming to power in March 2009 and has ignored attempts by regional mediators to broker a consensus with the opposition.
Madagascar has been beset by instability for several years.
Hundreds of troops were seen heading towards the compound on Saturday, before reports emerged of shots being fired.
The rebel officers made their coup clain as Madagascar prepared to vote in a referendum for a new constitution that would allow Mr. Rajoelina to extend his term in office.