Divided Madagascar fetes 50 years of independence

ANTANANARIVO

The Indian Ocean island of Madagascar was on Friday preparing to fete 50 years of independence mired in political and economic crisis and without an elected president or a new constitution.

For the first time many residents have not hung the national flag from their windows, an indication of how deeply the country is divided in the run up to Saturday's celebration of independence from France.

"Normally I hang up a flag, but this time round... regardless of my political inclinations, I wouldn't like people to interpret it," said Tojo, who lives in the centre of Antananarivo.

A popular uprising headed by Andry Rajoelina led to the removal of president Marc Ravalomanana in March 2009 after he lost the support of the army.

Rajoelina, an ex-mayor of Antananarivo, has been running the country since then, but without the recognition of the international community, which has led to the suspension of vital aid.

Ravalomanana's supporters have organised an alternative rally for Saturday -- in the carpark of a company belonging to the former president.

"People have died; others are in prison or have no work -- we're going to highlight all that rather than celebrate anything," said opposition leader Jean-Louis Rokotoamba.

He said he was confident that the meeting would not spill over into violence and security forces in the capital have warned they will be on the look out for anyone bent on creating trouble.