A grenade explosion has killed at least two people during Madagascar's national day celebrations in the capital Antananarivo, officials say. About 80 people were wounded in the blast at a stadium, general Anthony Rakotoarison told AFP news agency. President Hery Rajaonarimampianina said it was a "terrorist act", and blamed it on "political divergences". The situation remains fragile in the country, with supporters and opponents of the president at loggerheads. The blast happened during a free concert at the Mahamasina stadium. A military parade had been held there earlier. It was not immediately clear who or what was behind the explosion. In a statement broadcast on national television, the president said: "Divergences in point of view may exist between us... [But] if the leader does not suit you... you cannot kill the population," he said. "We will never tolerate destabilisation. Especially because this is not only destabilisation but an act of terrorism." Mr Rajaonarimampianina's election as president in 2013 brought fresh hope following years of political instability in Madagascar. But just 18 months into his presidency, the country's National Assembly voted to impeach him for failing to deliver on his election pledges. The bid failed but his supporters and rivals continue fighting each other. In 2014, a grenade explosion killed a toddler and injured several other people outside the same stadium. No arrests were made in connection with that attack and there was no claim of responsibility, AFP reported.
At least two people have died and 80 others injured in a grenade explosion at a stadium in the capital, Antananarivo. The attacker targeted a free concert in the Mahamasina stadium, where a military parade had been held earlier in the day and people had gathered to celebrate the national day. President Hery Rajaonarimampianina described the attack as a “terrorist act” and argued that it was the result of “political divergences”. This reflects the continuing tensions between Rajaonarimampianina’s supporters and opponents. He has been in power since 2013, with many hoping that his tenure would bring new-found stability to the country and its political sphere. This has not happened, with National Assembly bringing a confidence vote against him 18 months into his tenure, since when there has been political instability and violence among his supporters and detractors. No group has claimed responsibility for today’s grenade attack.