Madagascar officers in coup claim

Col Charles Andrianasoavina, who made the announcement, was one of the officers behind a coup that brought Andry Rajoelina to power last year. But Rajoelina denounced the mutineers and said he was unafraid of their threats. He said the action involved a small group who were trying to stir up trouble on the day of a referendum on a new constitution.

Madagascar has been beset by instability for several years. President Rajoelina has been diplomatically isolated since coming to power and has ignored attempts by regional mediators to broker a consensus with the opposition.