Armed forces vow to take over national TV in Madagascar, presidential office says, amid alerts of power grab
Military members have warned to seize the state TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his administration reports, amid unverified accounts that he has fled the country.
A French military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests aimed at kicking him from power.
His failed efforts to appease young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to pressure him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been postponed several times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by proclaiming itself in command of all the military, while some of its personnel aligned with protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a meeting of military officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were cooperating to keep peace in the island nation.
By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV headquarters working to address the emergency, according to a communication from the presidential office.
Talking on condition of confidentiality, a top official in Madagascar's major rival party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it aims to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".
Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows about one-third of people have access to electricity.
The protests began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then escalated to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 people were lost their lives and more than 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the government has denied these statistics.
Witnesses describe security officers opening fire on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a infant died from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by several rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to lead for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his well-dressed, baby-faced attraction quickly declined, as allegations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.
Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:
- About the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
- Defense commander named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations