Around the World: Madagascar

Defense minister quits

Madagascar's defense minister says she has resigned because civilians were killed when security forces fired on anti-government protesters over the weekend.

In an official communique issued yesterday, Cecile Manorohanta said her upbringing and faith could not allow her to accept "that the blood of" her countrymen be spilled. The resignation is likely to be read as a sign the military is losing confidence in President Marc Ravalomanana.