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'Confrontation is not the right path' - Madagascar Armed Forces quell standoff, vow to restore order as Rajoelina reportedly flees

'Confrontation is not the right path' - Madagascar Armed Forces quell standoff, vow to restore order as Rajoelina reportedly flees

"Madagascar's newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff, General Demosthene Pikulas, has called the country's military to unite and restore harmony, amid the nationwide unrest following weeks of deadly protests. "All discussions went calmly, and both parties agreed that confrontation is not the right path to take," Pikulas explained in an address on Monday, after the country's CAPSAT unit reportedly broke ranks and joined protesters in the capital on Saturday. "Both parties agreed that it is best to avoid any further tensions or actions that could create more problems. […] Both sides will make sure to convey this message to all members, especially to their respective commanders, so that harmony is restored and all remaining disputes between us come to an end," he added. It comes after a CAPSAT soldier was fatally shot during clashes between the National Gendarmerie and the Malagasy armed forces on Sunday. Pikulas says the incident was 'deeply regretted by everyone' and pledged to ensure such conflicts 'never happen again'. Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko of the Social Democratic Party claims President Rajoelina has fled the country, though the government has not confirmed his whereabouts. In a statement released Sunday, Rajoelina condemned what he described as "an attempt to seize power illegally and by force.” According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed since the protests began on September 25, some in altercations with security forces and others in violence attributed to criminal gangs and looters. However, Rajoelina has disputed the toll, saying on Wednesday there were ‘12 confirmed deaths', and describing the victims as ‘looters and vandals'. Rajoelina, who first came to power in 2009 after mass protests toppled President Marc Ravalomanana, has faced growing criticism over corruption and governance. He won re-election in 2018 and again in 2023 in polls widely boycotted by the opposition."

'Confrontation is not the right path' - Madagascar Armed Forces quell standoff, vow to restore order as Rajoelina reportedly flees

'Confrontation is not the right path' - Madagascar Armed Forces quell standoff, vow to restore order as Rajoelina reportedly flees

"Madagascar's newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff, General Demosthene Pikulas, has called the country's military to unite and restore harmony, amid the nationwide unrest following weeks of deadly protests. "All discussions went calmly, and both parties agreed that confrontation is not the right path to take," Pikulas explained in an address on Monday, after the country's CAPSAT unit reportedly broke ranks and joined protesters in the capital on Saturday. "Both parties agreed that it is best to avoid any further tensions or actions that could create more problems. […] Both sides will make sure to convey this message to all members, especially to their respective commanders, so that harmony is restored and all remaining disputes between us come to an end," he added. It comes after a CAPSAT soldier was fatally shot during clashes between the National Gendarmerie and the Malagasy armed forces on Sunday. Pikulas says the incident was 'deeply regretted by everyone' and pledged to ensure such conflicts 'never happen again'. Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko of the Social Democratic Party claims President Rajoelina has fled the country, though the government has not confirmed his whereabouts. In a statement released Sunday, Rajoelina condemned what he described as "an attempt to seize power illegally and by force.” According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed since the protests began on September 25, some in altercations with security forces and others in violence attributed to criminal gangs and looters. However, Rajoelina has disputed the toll, saying on Wednesday there were ‘12 confirmed deaths', and describing the victims as ‘looters and vandals'. Rajoelina, who first came to power in 2009 after mass protests toppled President Marc Ravalomanana, has faced growing criticism over corruption and governance. He won re-election in 2018 and again in 2023 in polls widely boycotted by the opposition."

De Bruyne double in Belgium win deals huge blow to Wales’ World Cup hopes

De Bruyne double in Belgium win deals huge blow to Wales’ World Cup hopes

Craig Bellamy cited Nostradamus in the buildup to this contest, advising to expect the unexpected given the 4-3 thriller that unfolded the last time these nations met, but while Wales gave Belgium an early fright, two Kevin De Bruyne penalties and a Thomas Meunier strike paved the way to a comeback victory that surely ends the hosts’ hopes of automatically qualifying for the World Cup. The substitute Nathan Broadhead pulled a goal back in the 89th minute but almost immediately Leandro Trossard converted from close range to cap the victory, this time featuring just the six goals. Joe Rodon headed in to give Wales a welcome leg up but Belgium stirred to maintain their pristine qualifying record; their last defeat in a qualifier coming here in June 2015, when Gareth Bale scored to propel Wales towards Euro 2016. Wales will likely have to do it the hard way if they are to reach North America next summer. Continue reading...