Potential Hot Spots: May 17, 2002

Archives

Madagascar's new President Marc Ravalomanana is threatening to expand the confrontation with old President Didier Ratsiraka if the blockade of central Madagascar is not lifted. Apparently the destruction of bridges and the roadblocks set up by Ratsirakas followers is starting to squeeze the Ravalomanan stronghold of Antananarivo (the capital). Ravalomanana may be able to make good on his threat since most sources report the Madagascan gendarmerie and military troops are loyal to his government. An AFP report said one Ratsiraka roadblock, located in the town of Brickaville, appears to be strategically critical and is protected by a large contingent of Ratsiraka loyalists. Another significant position is the bridge crossing the Betsiboka River. This controls access to the port of Mahajanga. AFP reports 50 soldiers and militiamen are defending that bridge. The Ratsiraka supporters have also set up seven roadblocks between Antananarivo and another key pro-Ravalomanana town, Fianarantsoa (which is south of the capital). 


 

Article Archive

Potential Hot Spots: Current 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   Contribute   Close