Madagascar security forces clamp down on protests

By Alain Ilonianina

ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Security forces in Madagascar deployed in force in the capital again on Thursday to prevent more opposition protests, a day after one demonstrator was killed and 14 injured.

Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina has been urging followers to continue daily demonstrations until President Marc Ravalomanana is forced to step down, but there are signs the appetite for street protests is dwindling.

A bitter power struggle between the two rivals on the Indian Ocean island has ignited weeks of civil unrest, killing about 134 people and delivering a knockout blow to the country's $390 million tourism sector.

Ravalomanana has pledged to restore law and order and police deployed around Antananarivo's main square for a second day. Groups of opposition supporters gathered a short distance away.

Witnesses said the security forces had used teargas to disperse Rajoelina supporters on Wednesday, although doctors said one man had died of gunshot wounds.

"One body was brought in today. He was hit by a bullet in the stomach. We have also received 14 injured," said a paramedic, on condition of anonymity, at Antananarivo's Joseph Ravaohangy Andrianavalona Hospital late on Wednesday.

The crisis has dented Madagascar's image as a tourist safe-haven and a secure destination for multinationals that have flooded in to exploit the island's vast oil and mineral riches.

Rajoelina, a charismatic former disc jockey who has galvanised popular anger at the president's failure to beat poverty, has vowed to continue nationwide strikes.