Madagascar's defense minister has resigned, after the deaths of at least 28 people during anti-government protests Saturday.
CecileManorohanta said Monday, that she can no longer be a part of thegovernment, and extends her condolences to the families of those killedin the protests.
More than 200 other people were wounded Saturday when presidential guards started shooting into a crowd of marchers.
The government has named the chief of military staff, Mamy Ranaivoniarivo, as Madagascar's new defense minister.
Oppositionleader Andry Rajoelina has vowed to continue demonstrations that beganlast month. Rajoelina accuses President Marc Ravalomanana of being tooauthoritarian.
The African Union said Monday it is sending anenvoy to Madagascar, former Ivory Coast Foreign Affairs Minister AmaraEssy, in an effort to calm the situation.
Sunday, thousandsgathered in a gymnasium to mourn the victims of Saturday's violence,which took place as marchers approached the presidential palace.
U.N.Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement deploring the violenceand what he calls lack of restraint. He has also sent an envoy, HaileMenkerios.
More than 100 people have been killed during anti-government protests since the demonstrations began about two weeks ago.
Lastweek, government officials fired Rajoelina from his post as mayor ofthe capital, Antananarivo. Rajoelina rejected the move and appealed toboth the Constitutional Court and parliament to remove the presidentfrom office.