Ten injured in grenade attack in Madagascar

A man has thrown a hand grenade into a plaza crowded with opposition supporters in Madagascar.

The incident happened in Fianarantsoa, seriously injuring 10 people.

The attacker, who opposition officials identified as a supporter of incumbent President Didier Ratsiraka, was immediately arrested.

It was among the worst incidents of violence reported in a two-month dispute over the outcome of presidential elections held last December.

Opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana claimed he won the elections outright, declared himself president, appointed an alternative capital and organized a series of protests and a strike aimed at forcing President Ratsiraka to step down.

Didier Ratsiraka declared first a state of emergency and then martial law in the capital, and when these were widely ignored, he moved his government to Toamasina, a port city on the island's eastern coast.

On Friday the opposition seized control of the country's defence ministry and appeared to gain the upper hand in securing the support of the military in a dispute.

Mr Ravalomanana's supporters have now taken control of all government buildings, with the exception of the prime minister's office.