Peretty Miriama ekes out a living selling handmade greeting cards to tourists on this Indian Ocean island paradise where buildings went up in flames during last week’s anti-government rioting in the capital.
The violence caught her and her husband by surprise. A homeless couple, they hid their precious stock of souvenirs but when they went back, the cards were gone.
“It’s not been good,” a dazed Miriama said on Friday while leaning against a tree. “We’re poor. Always poor.”
At least 43 people were killed in unrest which began on Monday when protesters set the government broadcasting complex ablaze, along with an oil depot, shopping mall and a private TV station linked to Malagasy President Marc Ravalomanana.
The protests were sparked by government’s decision that day to close a radio station, owned by the capital’s mayor, Andry Rajoelina. He accuses Ravalomanana’s government of misspending funds and threatening democracy.
By Friday the violence had subsided. But Rajoelina called for another anti-government rally yesterday, and that has left many people bracing for the possibility of more violence.
For two days police had battled to control looters who roamed the streets of the capital. Tourists were advised to stay in their hotels. Most of the casualties were people caught up in the chaos or trapped in burning buildings. By Friday, the violence had subsided.
“Business has been bad this week,” said Fula Bao, who sells pink garnets at her roadside stall. “Even foreigners aren’t stopping much at the moment.”
Madagascar, off Africa’s southeast coast, is known for its rare wildlife and eco-tourism — but also for its history of political unrest and infighting. It is one of Africa’s poorest nations, with more than half the population living on less than US$1 per day.
Ravalomanana clashed with former president Didier Ratsiraka when both claimed the presidency after a disputed December 2001 election.
After low-level fighting split the country between two governments, two capitals and two presidents, Ratsiraka fled to France in June 2002. Ravalomanana won re-election in 2006, though two opposition candidates tried to challenge the validity of the vote.
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