MADAGASCANS QUEUE FOR GAS IN THE ISLANDS CAPITAL ANTANANARIVO, 2002-06-27 (photo)

Madagascans queue for gas in the capital Antananarivo, stronghold of one of the island's two rivals for the presidency, Marc Ravalomanana, June 27, 2002. For months, the city was surrounded by barricades built up by supporters of his rival, veteran ruler Didier Ratsiraka and essential goods such as fuel and gas were almost impossible to find. Ravalomanana's forces, who now control most of the island, managed recently to dismantle the roadblocks, and life in the capital is slowly returning to normal as supplies trickle in. Madagascar has been in crisis since disputed December elections, which Ravalomanana says Ratsiraka rigged. Both men now claim to be rightful leaders. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings MH/AH/CLH/