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Bodies found in department store after violent Madagascar riots

by Amy Judd | January 28, 2009 at 09:38 am

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37 burned bodies have been found in a department store in Madagascar's capital, after some of the worst violence in decades that the island has seen.

Tens of thousands of rioters protested in Antananarivo against the current government, setting fire to the state-owned television and radio stations, among other buildings as they took to the streets.

A policeman and teenager were killed in the violence, which saw some violent riots a few decades ago as well.

"I can confirm we have found 37 bodies. They are burnt beyond recognition and will be hard to identify," a senior fire officer said.

Angry at the closure of his private TV station Viva, the city's 34-year-old mayor and opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina, has denounced the island's president as a dictator.

President Marc Ravalomanana has accused the mayor of trying to stir up a revolt as residents in the capital ransacked shops linked to the president overnight.

Mr Rajoelina said peaceful demonstrations against the government would continue, adding: "There will be no meeting nor dialogue (with the president)."

France has asked the Malagasy authorities to show restraint at this time.
However, residents of the captial say that this will only get worse if this current government does not resign and a new transitional government is established.

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