Report: One killed, seven injured in Madagascar protests

Jan 23, 2012, 10:04 GMT

Antananarivo - One person was killed and seven injured in protests in the Madagascar capital of Antananarivo at the travel ban on former leader Marc Ravalomanana, L'Espress de Madagascar reported Monday.

Ravalomanana was forced to return to South Africa on Saturday after an aborted attempt to fly into Antananarivo. The exiled leader's plane was diverted to Pemba, Mozambique, and returned to Johannesburg, his spokesman said then, after local authorities refused permission to land.

Tens of thousands of his supporters had gathered on the roads leading to the airport in anticipation of his arrival Saturday. But when it became clear that the authorities had blocked Ravalomanana's return, riots broke out.

Barricades were erected and set on fire, and security forces were pelted with stones. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperese the protesters. While a 45-year-old died from severe head injuries, according to the report, seven people were arrested for allegedly trying to loot shops.

Ravalomanana, 62, has spent three years in exile in South Africa after being ousted by popular DJ Andry Rajoelina.

In an earlier attempt to return home in 2011, Ravalomanana was detained at the airport in Johannesburg, after Madagascar's security officials denied him permission to land.

Elections are planned for 2013 in the island nation and Ravalomanana is expected to stand.

Rajoelina, 37, has been accused by human rights groups of large-scale corruption.