Security forces in Madagascar have fired tear gas against opposition candidates who were leading a protest in the capital, Antananarivo.
It comes amid rising tensions ahead of presidential elections next month.
Eleven of the 13 presidential candidates had urged their supporters to march towards the city’s central square, to protest against what they described as an institutional coup in favour of the incumbent Andry Rajoelina.
But reporters from the AFP news agency said the security forces dispersed the crowd before it reached its destination.
Reports say a presidential candidate and the head of an opposition party are among several people injured, after security officers fired tear gas on people at a rally in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo.
However, neither of them have been named.
Two bodyguards protecting ex-President Marc Ravalomanana – who’s running for re-election – were arrested.
“We did not succeed today,” said Jean Jacques Ratsietison, another candidate, telling the broadcaster RFI that “we will come back tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, until we reach an agreement between all parties”.
Eleven of the 13 presidential candidates are asking their supporters to protest against what they described as an “institutional” coup in favour of the incumbent, President Andry Rajoelina.
They say they fear next month’s election will not be free and fair and have accused the electoral commission of favouring Mr Rajoelina.
The electoral commission has not commented on the allegation.