Armed forces threaten to take over national TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid concerns of government overthrow
Armed forces have declared intention to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his office says, amid unverified information that he has left the country.
A French military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests designed to ousting him out of power.
His failed endeavors to calm young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make further compromises to no avail.
On Sunday, his administration said an attempt was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been postponed multiple times - it was first scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by declaring itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its officers aligned with protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a meeting of defense commanders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were working together to maintain stability in the island nation.
By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV headquarters trying to resolve the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.
Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also said it intends to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".
Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to close Mauritius. They comprise former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the poverty line, while data shows about one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.
The rallies started over frustration with repeated water and power outages, then intensified to demonstrate broader 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 wounded in the first few days of the protests, although the government has denied these figures.
Witnesses report security officers shooting on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a baby succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by multiple rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his stylish, young-looking attraction soon declined, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.
More on Madagascar's emergency:
- About the Gen Z protesters who want to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
- Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests