Riots in Antananarivo

There are currently riots in Tana. These are the result of a conflict between the President Marc Ravalomanana and the mayor of Tana, Andry Rajoelina.

I do not pretend to understand the intracasies of Malagasy politics. But today three radio and television broadcasting stations have been burnt down by angry mobs. Various shops have been looted and burned down, including those belonging to the president.

Please pray for peace. I believe that things have not yet reached a critical mass where it has to lead to worse riots and God forbid widespread ciivil unrest.

Please pray for rain and lots of it. If its raining lots of the protesters wont enjoy it.

Please pray for the safety of all. Some missionaires are really worried. The Malagasy people are still remembers the suffering they went through during the previous “crise.”

I will try to update my blog. But it is theoretically possible that we may loose internet connectivity.

A timeline of todays happenings

- 18h35: 2 Force One took off at 17.50
- 18.30: according antsiva radio, TVM was not affected by the fire this morning at RNM
- 18h20: The Conference of Bishops of Madagascar (EMC) through its chairman Bishop Fulgence Rabemahafaly drew both supporters dialogue
- 18h19: Radio Antsiva resume the aerial.
- 17h59: the PM has canceled his statement. Sources confirm the resignation of several members.
- 17.50: rumor resignation of the government. Take the conditional lack of confirmation by the media
- 17h05: View: Tikos trucks escorted by soldiers in the direction of Antsirabe
- 1700: No radio or television does except gospel songs
- 16H40 Courts stores and Cora Ankorondrano robbed
- 16H40: the bodies of dead in Mbs tgvistes will be brought up on 13 May
- 16:30 PM should make a statement in the next few minutes. Marc Ravalomanana “found”
- 16H20: The more TV station stopped broadcasting
- 16H10: Andry TGV calls back tomorrow to May 13
- 15:50 Andry TGV will speak on TV Plus
- 15.30 Auditorium Ankorondrano burned!
The army refused to intervene, leaving the field open to protesters. Marc Ravalomanana is
- 15.00. Magro Ankorondrano robbed by Crowds
- 14.40 Tanjombato Magro group Tiko burned!
- 1400: MBS burnt! 2 deaths near TGV
- 13.00: TVM and RNM were burned by TGV
- 02H50 RADIO VIVA closed by mercenaries

TVM and RNM are respectively the national television and radio stations. (Theoretically pro-President)
MAGRO (bulk wholesaler), TIKO (company that produces various milk and oil products) MBS radio and television broadcaster belongs to the president
Courts a French furniture retailer
Cora a French retailer, clothes, food etc.

At 19h00 local time (14h00 GMT) the Catholic Radio station, Don Bosco is continuing as per normal.