At least 34 people have been injured in Madagascar during protests in support of Marc Ravalomanana, the former president, medics have said.

Thousands of people were confronted by police who fired tear gas in Antananarivo, the capital, on Saturday.

It is the sixth protest in six days in support of Ravalomanana and against Andry Rajoelina, who took power this month.

Protesters attempted to reach the May 13 Plaza on Saturday, where Rajoelina had held rallies, but police, firing shots into the air, dispersed the crowds.

Ravalomanana, who visited Swaziland last week after stepping down, has vowed to return.

In a short recorded message broadcast on a private television channel in Madagascar, he said: "Don't be afraid of anything. I will return soon."

He said protests needed to continue in order that the world could see that they would not accept an illegitimate government.

Political unrest in Madagascar has led to the deaths of at least 135 since the start of January.

Rajoelina led opposition to Ravalomanana whom he said was a dictator who was out of touch with the people.