Concern over recent attacks

Weekend grenade attacks at independence day celebrations and recent public demonstrations over spiralling inflation have sparked concern that Madagascar could face further instability. In recent months the giant Indian Ocean island has been rocked by a series of demonstrations over the soaring cost of living, and President Marc Ravalomanana's government has been the focus of growing frustration from army reservists demanding better compensation for their role in the 2002 political crisis. According to one economist, inflation, stoked by rising oil prices, had averaged 6.5 percent in the first six months of the year and is predicted to reach 12 percent by December. "The price hikes have become almost unbearable for the ordinary person. The government must step in to rectify this, or it might have to face growing discontent," said Pepe Andrianomanana, an economist based in the capital, Antananarivo. Meanwhile, Malagasy officials said on Monday that investigations were underway to find the culprits behind grenade attacks during independence day celebrations at the weekend. Forty people were injured when "unknown assailants" exploded grenades in the towns of Toliary on the southwest coast, Fianarantsoa in the neighbouring province of the same name, and Mahajanga on the northwest coast, where crowds had gathered during festivities marking the country's 44th anniversary of its independence from France. "It is still unclear who the culprits are, but we have sent a team of investigators to Toliary to gather evidence, so that we have a clearer picture of who may be behind these attacks," defence ministry media officer Paul Andre told IRIN. He added that the government would "not tolerate any group of people who may be determined to destabilise the country". Earlier this month 32 people were injured after a reservist let off a grenade during a demonstration in the city's main square. About 2,600 former members of the army and police were called upon to support Ravalomanana during the tussle for control of the country, sparked by disputed elections held in December 2001.