Armed forces vow to seize government TV in Madagascar, presidential office says, amid alerts of coup attempt
Armed forces have warned to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his administration says, amid unofficial accounts that he has departed from the country.
A international military jet is said to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of countrywide demonstrations aimed at kicking him from power.
His ineffective efforts to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make additional agreements to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was in progress to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army division - called CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by announcing itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its personnel joined protesters on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.
Following a gathering of defense officers on Monday, the current Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were cooperating to maintain peace in the country.
By Monday evening, the general was at government TV building working to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.
Communicating on condition of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's biggest competing party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore announced it plans to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".
Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows just over one-third of residents have access to electricity.
The rallies started over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power outages, then increased to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the government has denied these statistics.
Eyewitnesses detail police using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In a particular situation, a baby passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by numerous protests since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to lead for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his sharp-suited, youthful attraction quickly waned, as claims of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.
Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:
- Regarding the Gen Z activists who aim to force Madagascar's president from power
- Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests