This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-36636778
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
Madagascar stadium blast kills two | Madagascar stadium blast kills two |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A grenade explosion has killed at least two people during Madagascar's national day celebrations in the capital Antananarivo, officials say. | A grenade explosion has killed at least two people during Madagascar's national day celebrations in the capital Antananarivo, officials say. |
About 80 people were wounded in the blast at a stadium, general Anthony Rakotoarison told AFP news agency. | |
President Hery Rajaonarimampianina said it was a "terrorist act", and blamed it on "political divergences". | |
The situation remains fragile in the country, with supporters and opponents of the president at loggerheads. | |
The blast happened during a free concert at the Mahamasina stadium. A military parade had been held there earlier. | The blast happened during a free concert at the Mahamasina stadium. A military parade had been held there earlier. |
It was not immediately clear who or what was behind the explosion. | |
In a statement broadcast on national television, the president said: "Divergences in point of view may exist between us... [But] if the leader does not suit you... you cannot kill the population," he said. | |
"We will never tolerate destabilisation. Especially because this is not only destabilisation but an act of terrorism." | |
Mr Rajaonarimampianina's election as president in 2013 brought fresh hope following years of political instability in Madagascar. | |
But just 18 months into his presidency, the country's National Assembly voted to impeach him for failing to deliver on his election pledges. | |
The bid failed but his supporters and rivals continue fighting each other. | |
In 2014, a grenade explosion killed a toddler and injured several other people outside the same stadium. | In 2014, a grenade explosion killed a toddler and injured several other people outside the same stadium. |
No arrests were made in connection with that attack and there was no claim of responsibility, AFP reported. | No arrests were made in connection with that attack and there was no claim of responsibility, AFP reported. |