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How many heavily armed soldiers does it take to topple a government?
Going on Mark Davis's experience in Madagascar recently the answer is 'about fifty'
Davis was on hand as a former disc jockey, Andry Rajoelina, backed by a small but significant section of the armed forces, overthrew the government.
Former President Marc Ravalomanana was forced aside as his fresh faced successor mounted a campaign that featured big crowds, pumping music and trendy t -shirts emblazoned with his boyish good looks.
Davis charts the increasingly tense moments leading up to the coup and is tear gassed on the streets as the old order tries to disperse the rapidly growing support for Rajoelina .
African leaders have condemned Rajoelina's coup, however the 34-year-old insists he'll change the constitution and hold presidential elections within 24 months. Till then will take plenty of effort to convince the international community that his military backed government is legitimate.
Also, keep up to date with all the latest stories with Dateline's Twitter feed.
On air: 5th April 2009
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By Mark Davis
3 Jun 09 | 10 comments
