Soldiers Seize Radio, Claim Madagascar Coup

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Soldiers seized control of Madagascar state radio early today and said they had staged a coup.

The soldiers said in a broadcast that they had set up a “Committee to Rescue the Nation” and had taken full control of the troubled Indian Ocean island republic.

There was no indication of the whereabouts of President Didier Ratsiraka, the autocratic leftist leader who has clung to power despite general strikes, protest rallies and political turmoil over the last year.

The military committee said it would respect the democratic process Ratsiraka launched last year following violent opposition to his rule.

He installed a transitional government, including key opposition leaders, but he remained head of state while the government drew up a new constitution.

Madagascar, a potentially wealthy state, has slid into virtual stagnation in the past year because of political and economic upheaval.

It is also grappling with hunger caused by a three-year drought.