Military personnel threaten to occupy state TV in Madagascar, presidency says, amid concerns of coup attempt
Armed forces have declared intention to seize the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office reports, amid unconfirmed information that he has departed from the country.
A French military jet is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests designed to kicking him out of power.
His failed attempts to placate young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make additional concessions to no avail.
On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been postponed numerous times - it was initially planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army division - called CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in command of all the military, while some of its officers joined protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a meeting of military leaders on Monday, the current Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the security forces were collaborating to preserve peace in the island nation.
By Monday late afternoon, the general was at national TV building trying to settle the crisis, according to a communication from the presidential office.
Talking on basis of privacy, a senior representative in Madagascar's major rival party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally announced it plans to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".
Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of former Cabinet Head 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 residents there reside below the poverty line, while information shows just over one-third of individuals have access to electricity.
The rallies started over anger with ongoing water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the government has denied these figures.
Eyewitnesses detail law enforcement using weapons on protesters with live ammunition. In an instance, a newborn passed away from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by multiple protests since it achieved independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his sharp-suited, young-looking attraction quickly declined, as accusations of favoritism and established corruption became ongoing.
Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:
- Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
- Military officer named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests