Reports in Madagascar said soldiers have opened fire on anti-government protesters in the capital, killing an unknown number. State-run and independent radio stations said about 30 people were killed in Antananarivo. Official figures were not immediately available. The protest was one of a series called by an opposition leader whose challenge of the president sparked deadly violence last month. Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina appeared on independent radio Viva on Saturday, as reports of violence emerged, and called on the armed forces to 'defend the people and stop these soldiers who are firing on people'. Journalists on the scene said the protest started at a central square where Mr. Rajoelina regularly addresses supporters. The demonstrators - numbering in the tens of thousands - then headed toward the presidential palace led by Monja Roindefo, a supporter who Rajoelina today declared was 'transitional prime minister'. Mr Rajoelina, the former mayor of Antananarivo, has declared the presidential palace belongs to the city. He was replaced as Antananarivo's mayor on Tuesday by an official appointed by the police minister.