Armed forces vow to take over state TV in Madagascar, leader's administration announces, amid concerns of government overthrow
Armed forces have warned to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unverified information that he has left the country.
A French military plane is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of countrywide protests intended to ousting him out of power.
His ineffective efforts to appease young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make additional agreements to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his administration said an effort was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was originally planned at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in control of all the military, while several of its members supported protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a gathering of military officers on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the armed services were working together to preserve peace in the country.
By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at national TV building trying to settle the crisis, according to a communication from the presidency.
Communicating on understanding of confidentiality, a senior representative in Madagascar's biggest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also announced it aims to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".
Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows just over one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.
The demonstrations commenced over frustration with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to reflect broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 people were killed and in excess of 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the government has denied these figures.
Witnesses describe security officers using weapons on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by several protests since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to govern for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before joining politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.
But his sharp-suited, youthful appeal quickly declined, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.
Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:
- Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who want to pressure Madagascar's president from power
- Military officer appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests