However correspondents say that Mr Ravalomanana's troops are now advancing towards the region.

"He arrived at 1409 local time (1009 GMT) accompanied by 11 men, about six women and six children, he went through normal health clearance," a reporter who witnessed Ratsiraka's arrival told Reuters news agency.

"He looked a bit tired," the reporter said.

Mr Ratsiraka made no comment to reporters after his plane touched down at Seychelles International Airport.

"He left very abruptly this morning with members of his family who were still here," one diplomat said in Madagascar.

"One has the impression that he has left for good, with weapons and baggage - departures on holiday are much more serene."

Mr Ratsiraka made a trip to France last month, also prompting speculation that he was going into exile. However, he returned.

Following elections in December last year, neither man accepted defeat and the Indian Ocean island nation was divided with two capitals and two governments.

Divided island

Following a recount in May, Mr Ravalomanana was sworn in as president but Mr Ratsiraka still refused to step down.

Scores of people have been killed in bitter fighting between rival supporters, but Mr Ratsiraka's power had been ebbing in recent weeks.

Forces loyal to Mr Ravalomanana have taken three provinces from Mr Ratsiraka, ending blockades on their stronghold in the capital, Antananarivo.

The United States, Australia, Japan, Germany, and most recently France, have all recognised Mr Ravalomanana as president.