Soldiers pledge to take over national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration announces, amid concerns of coup attempt
Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the state TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his administration reports, amid unofficial information that he has departed from the country.
A French military jet is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of national demonstrations intended to removing him from power.
His failed attempts to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make other agreements to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was under way to push him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been put off several times - it was initially due at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by declaring itself in charge of all the military, while several of its officers joined activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a gathering of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the military were collaborating to maintain stability in the country.
By Monday night, the commander was at government TV building attempting to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the presidential office.
Communicating on condition of confidentiality, a senior representative in Madagascar's biggest competing party told that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore said it plans to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".
Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the poverty line, while statistics shows just over one-third of residents have access to electricity.
The rallies began over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then increased to demonstrate wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and in excess of 100 wounded in the opening days of the rallies, although the authorities has denied these numbers.
Observers describe police shooting on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a newborn died from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by several uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before entering politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his stylish, young-looking attraction rapidly waned, as accusations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.
Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:
- Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to pressure Madagascar's president from power
- Defense general appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations