Troubles in Madagascar

Madagascar’s army has been taken over by a rebel solider triggering fears of a civil war on the island nation.

U.S. Ambassador, Niels Marquardt, told local media outlets that the country of 20 million was on “the verge of civil war”.

This after Andre Andriarijaona pronounced himself as head of the army. Andriarijaona said he negotiated with outgoing general Edmond Rasolomahandry, and that he now has the support of the army.

The move comes as a feud between rival factions in the country continued unabated.

The overthrown general Rasolomahandry had given the island’s feuding leaders a three-day ultimatum to resolve the political crisis. If they did not, he warned, the army would take over.

Madagascar has been plagued since mid-January with protests against reigning President Marc Ravalomana.

Ravalomana blames opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, a former disc jockey and mayor, with whipping up popular fervor by using exaggerated claims.

Rajoelina has tapped into the sentiment that Ravalomanana has not dealt adequately with the country’s severe poverty.

Over 100 people have been killed in connection with protesting.

The government ordered army clampdown on protestors ultimately backfired on the government. The new head of the army is seen as being more aligned with Rajoelina and his ascendance comes as many in the army were angry at the government for ordering it to act against protestors.

While Rasolomahandry’s efforts would appeared to have failed, the two leaders have been invited to Senegal for peace talks and both said they were amenable to the idea.

Ravalomanana is a 59-year-old self-made millionaire that has ruled as president since Senegal brokered a peace agreement between feuding factions in the country back in 2002.

Rio Tinto (RTP-N, RIO-L) and Sherritt International (S-T, SHERF-O)are both active in the country.