Soldiers pledge to take over national TV in Madagascar, presidential office says, amid concerns of coup attempt
Soldiers have declared intention to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his office confirms, amid unofficial information that he has left the country.
A foreign military plane is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of countrywide rallies designed to kicking him out of power.
His unsuccessful efforts to calm young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make additional compromises to without success.
On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was originally due at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army force - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while some of its officers joined activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a conference of army commanders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the military were working together to maintain order in the island nation.
By Monday night, the commander was at state TV facilities working to resolve the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a top leader in Madagascar's largest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it intends to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".
Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the poverty line, while data shows approximately one-third of people have access to electricity.
The demonstrations commenced over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then escalated to represent more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured in the opening days of the rallies, although the government has rejected these figures.
Observers describe security officers opening fire on demonstrators with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a baby succumbed from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by multiple uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to lead for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his well-dressed, youthful attraction rapidly declined, as accusations of cronyism and established corruption became unshakeable.
Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:
- Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
- Army general named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests