Rajoelina reaffirms control of situation in Madagascar after attempted coup
ANTANANARIVO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The president of Madagascar's Highest Transitional Authority (HAT), Andry Rajoelina, has reaffirmed control of the state machinery despite alleged attempted coup d'etat in the Indian Ocean island country.
"Contrary to what was being reported in foreign countries, you can see that all institutions are still intact. Our senior military officials, the prime minister as well as the armed forces minister are still serving in their respective positions," he declared on Wednesday after a group of military officers announced their take-over of state power earlier in the day.
The HAT president promised that action will be taken against officers who attempted to carry out a mutiny.
Rajoelina confirmed that he had received death threats "from some army colonels" if he does not step down.
He however reiterated his willingness to continue with the ongoing process to end the country's political crisis through the constitutional referendum being held on Wednesday.
"I am not scared of these death threats. I have trust in the God who has always guided me from the beginning," Rajoelina said.
He was speaking while waiting for the announcement of the results of the referendum from the polling station.
Observers termed Rajoelina's decision to go to the polling station as a bold move since it came just hours after the announcement of an attempted coup by senior military officers.