Travellers should currently avoid non esssntial travel to the island

Security forces opened fire on anti-government demonstrators near the Presidential Palace in Antananarivo on 7 February 2009. Former Antananarivo Mayor Andry Rajoelina called for the protest to announce a new transitional government in Madagascar after President Marc Ravalomanana refused to step down from office. Reports indicate that several thousand protesters gathered in May 13 Plaza before marching to Ambohitsorohitra Palace. Reports indicate that a first line of anti-riot police officers retreated from the advancing protesters, but a second line opened fire with live ammunition. At least 25 people have been confirmed dead and an additional 167 people were injured in the incident. Rajoelina has declared 9 February a day of mourning for the victims. The violence represents a renewed escalation of tensions between Ravalomanana and the political opposition after several days of relative calm in the capital. Violent anti-government protests initially broke out on 26 January when demonstrators burnt down the state radio station. At least 100 people were killed in the subsequent rioting and looting. Madagascar's main foreign donors have suspended aid to the island in light of the violence as the U.N. continues to urge a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In response to the events on 7 February, Madagascar's Defense Minister Cecile Manorohanta resigned on 9 February. Manorohanta reportedly resigned because her "conscience could not take the latest bloodshed" on the island. Manorohanta was once a close ally of Ravalomanana, and her resignation further intensifies the power struggle on the island. A presidential decree named Ranaivoniarivo Mamy Solofoniaina -- a close military advisor -- as the replacement defense minister.