Crisis-hit Madagascar beefs up security

Madagascar's transitional authorities have beefed up security across the crisis-hit island ahead of the national day and following a string of bomb alerts, security officials told AFP Monday.

The nation, which has been crippled by a political standoff since Andry Rajoelina's army-backed takeover on March 17, is due to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the island's independence from France on Friday.

"The three main branches of the security apparatus have been mobilised -- around 30,000 people -- and the 22 provincial heads are encouraged to sensitise the population," Brigadier General Claude Ravalomanana said.

Noel Rakotonandrasana, the transitional administration's armed forces minister, told AFP that his units were also bracing for a possible return to the country of ousted president Marc Ravalomanana.

"We have been warned, we are preparing for it," he said, reacting to rumours that the country's elected leader, currently in exile in southern Africa, might attempt a fightback.

Despite the dim prospect of a breakthrough in the political negotiations, the situation on the ground has been relatively stable in recent weeks.

However, a homemade bomb exploded last week in a shopping centre, causing no casualties and minimal material damage. Another was defused near a security position days later.

"We are currently analysing samples in a laboratory," Ravelomanana said, refusing to speculate on the identity of the perpetrators or their motives.

Rajoelina, who at 35 is five years too young to run for president, has promised fresh polls next year but the international community has refused to recognise him and continued to call for a return to constitutional order.