Madagascar police shoot up to 25 protestors dead in new island clashes

Police in Madagascar have opened fire during an opposition rally, killing up to 25 people in the latest bloodshed of a two-week battle for power on the Indian Ocean island.

Protestors supporting Andry Rajoelina, the former mayor of the capital Antananarivo who is challenging the president for control of the country, were barred by security forces from marching on the presidential compound.

As the demonstrators surged towards the Ambohitsorohitra Palace, police fired with live bullets, killing at least seven. One police report put the death toll as high as 25. At least 100 have died since the rebellion broke out.

"The crowd was walking peacefully, then all of a sudden the military opened fire," said Jocelyn Ratolojanahary at the Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Hospital, nursing a bandaged hand. She said she saw several bodies lying back at the palace.

Mr Rajoelina, 34, accuses President Marc Ravalomanana of being a dictator whose government has ignored the plight of the country's 20 million people, 70 per cent of whom live on less than $1 (70p) a day.

The opposition leader yesterday named a new prime minister whom he said should head the government. But Mr Ravalomanana, 59, has largely ignored the protests, insisting that he is the legitimate leader and will not stand down.