(ANSA) - ANTANANARIVO, MARCH 28 - Former president of Madagascar Didier Ratsiraka, a naval officer nicknamed "the red admiral" for his socialist policies, died this morning at the age of 84 after being hospitalized for flu earlier this week. The current head of state Andry Rajoelina announced it on Twitter. Ratsiraka was president of the island from 1975 to 1991 and from 1997 to 2002.
"The Malagasy have lost an illustrious patriot," said Rajoelina. (HANDLE).