Soldiers pledge to seize state TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid alerts of power grab
Military members have warned to seize the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has departed from the country.
A foreign military plane is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of national protests intended to kicking him out of power.
His failed attempts to appease young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make other compromises to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his office said an attempt was ongoing to force him from power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been postponed multiple times - it was originally due at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by declaring itself in charge of all the army, while some of its members supported protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a gathering of defense leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the military were collaborating to keep peace in the country.
By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV headquarters trying to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the presidency.
Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a senior leader in Madagascar's biggest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore said it aims to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".
Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.
The protests began over frustration with frequent water and power outages, then escalated to reflect more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 individuals were killed and over 100 wounded in the opening days of the rallies, although the administration has disputed these numbers.
Witnesses describe police using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In a particular situation, a infant passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, including mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm rapidly waned, as allegations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.
Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:
- Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
- Defense officer named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations