AFP - Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, embroiled in a power struggle with the island's president, has been placed under UN protection, a UN official said Monday.
   
"In line with efforts to resolve the Madagascan crisis, and preserve peace and stability, the United Nations decided to place Mr Rajoelina under its protection in a diplomatic residence," said Tiebile Drame, the UN envoy to Madagascar's political crisis.
   
Rajoelina has been in hiding since security forces attempted to arrest him last week.
   
"Mr Andry Rajoelina had recently expressed worry about his security to several international community representatives," Drame said.
   
The UN official also said President Marc Ravalomanana had pledged to "guarantee the security of Mr Rajoelina and the security of his aides."
   
"The president of the republic said they could move freely and that they will not be arrested," Drame said in a statement.
   
At the weekend, Rajoelina said he was in hiding in a "safe location" after security forces also ransacked his private Viva television and radio network.
   
Security forces have repeatedly thwarted attempts by opposition protesters to demonstrate in the capital Antananarivo as part of a three-month-old campaign by Rajoelina to unseat the president, whom he accuses of running a dictatorship.