Although the more inclusive transitional government has gone some way towards normalising political relations, deep hostilities persist between elements of the opposition and Mr Rajoelina's camp. For example, in early March Mr Rakotoarivelo of the TIM was arrested in connection with an unsuccessful attempt to blow up Mr Rajoelina's car. A homemade bomb was set off by a roadside in the capital, Antananarivo, as the HAT leader's convoy drove past. No one was hurt and no serious damage was done.

The incident was reminiscent of previous incidents of political violence or alleged plots that arise occasionally in Madagascar. Such occurrences sometimes remain unexplained and they have rarely developed into serious threats. For example, in late April the government suggested that sabotage may have been behind a technical fault on the private jet taking Mr Rajoelina to Zambia, but little evidence emerged to support the claim. Mr Rakotoarivelo was detained for two weeks before being released at the end of March. His arrest will be interpreted by the Ravalomanana camp as a politically motivated abuse of the judicial process, and will serve to deepen its antipathy towards the HAT.