ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Madagascar’s opposition chief emerged from two weeks of hiding to declare himself president Saturday, setting up another showdown with the country’s increasingly isolated leader.
Embattled President Marc Ravalomanana prevailed the first time the two men tangled, but now his power base has disappeared. The opposition is promising elections within two years on this island off southeastern Africa known for its wildlife and eco-tourism, but also its poverty and political unrest.
Saturday, Ravalomanana — a master of political infighting — refused to quit, even though he has lost the support of much of the military.
In another part of the capital, opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, 34, set a deadline of hours for Ravalomanana to dissolve the government of this poor Indian Ocean island of 20 million people. The opposition also moved without resistance into the empty offices of the less-powerful prime minister and named someone to replace him. The Associated Press
