Madagascar coup plotters in talks with regime

Troops who staged a mutiny and claimed to have seized power in Madagascar are reportedly negotiating with the regime from their barracks. There were no signs Thursday of a military presence on the streets, with shops open for business as usual.

Reuters/Faniry Clarel Rasoanaivo

"If the negotiations fail the regime is going to take a much tougher stance. There won't be any en masse pardon. Orders have been given," an unnamed source told the AFP wire agency.

The talks are taking place a day after General Noel Rakotonandrasana declared that government institutions had been suspended and a military council was in charge.

Madagascar’s leader Andry Rajoelina on Wednesday insisted he remained in control of the country, promising a quick crackdown on the soldiers involved.

Rakotonandrasana is a former armed forces minister who played a key role in the March 2009 army-backed coup that brought Rajoelina to power.

The mutiny took place on a public holiday as residents voted in a constitutional referendum.