ANTANANARIVO, Feb 4: Hundreds of supporters of Madagascar’s sacked mayor Andry Rajoelina gathered on Wednesday in front of his office to protest against his dismissal in the wake of rioting that killed 68 people.

Rajoelina, the new leader of the Indian Ocean island’s opposition, was sacked on Tuesday by the interior ministry and replaced as Antananarivo mayor by a provisional administration.

His dismissal came hours after he announced plans to unveil a transitional government on Saturday, having proclaimed himself in charge of the country’s affairs and accused President Marc Ravalomanana of being a dictator.

Rajoelina also suffered another blow when the Constitutional Court declared itself incapable of ruling on his demand to have Ravalomanana removed.

“The competence of the Constitutional Court is limited to acknowledging the vacancy of the post of the president of the republic after an impeachment by the two chambers of parliament and a declaration of dismissal by the high court,” the court said in a reply to his petition.—AFP