It seems the political battle between Madagascan President Marc Ravalomanana and opposition leader Andry Rajoelina is entering in to what can be best described as the ‘end game’

This Monday evening Madagascan army vehicles forcibly seized a presidential palace in the centre of Madagascar’s capital city Antanarivo, bringing to end any perception of neutrality in the contest between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina. The seizure was followed by extensive explosions and gun fire across the city. It has been reported that the central bank has been taken by the army.

President Ravalomanana is said to have fled the capital and is reported to be holed up in a presidential residence about 15km from the centre of the capital, where he has repeated calls for a referendum to resolve the crisis. The plea is likely to fall on death ears as Rajoelina realises as of tonight he is a whisker away from achieving his aim, taking the Presidency of the country.

Reuters reports on today’s events