Military personnel threaten to take over state TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid concerns of coup attempt
Soldiers have warned to seize the national TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his staff says, amid unverified information that he has departed from the country.
A French military plane is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide protests designed to removing him out of power.
His ineffective attempts to appease young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his office said an attempt was ongoing to push him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned statement to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by declaring itself in charge of all the army, while some of its officers joined activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a conference of army officers on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the security forces were collaborating to keep stability in the state.
By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV building working to address the crisis, according to a announcement from the presidential office.
Speaking on condition of privacy, a senior official in Madagascar's biggest opposition party told that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore announced it aims to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".
Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to close Mauritius. They comprise previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows approximately one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.
The protests began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to demonstrate more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and over 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has disputed these figures.
Witnesses report security officers using weapons on protesters with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a baby died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by multiple uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, including extensive demonstrations 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 time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to lead for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his well-dressed, youthful charm quickly diminished, as claims of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.
Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:
- Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
- Military commander appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations