Malagasy police ban political rallies in capital

Police in Madagascar have banned all political rallies in the capital, Antananarivo, ahead of planned protests by the opposition.

There are growing concerns in the country over the rate of unemployment and state of the economy.

Opposition lawmakers, under the banner of Miara-manonja - Malagasy for "Let's Make Waves Together" - have demanded the withdrawal of security forces deployed outside the home of former President Marc Ravalomanana.

They also want the Malagasy Broadcasting System, a television and radio station owned by the former president, to be allowed to operate.

Lawmaker Fidele Razara Pierre has promised that a major decision would be taken on Saturday, according to the private L'Express de Madagascar news site.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Teller Report