Armed forces vow to take over government TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid alerts of power grab
Soldiers have warned to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified reports that he has fled the country.
A international military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of countrywide rallies aimed at ousting him from power.
His ineffective efforts to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make additional concessions to without success.
On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was ongoing to push him from power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was initially planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army unit - called CAPSAT - that assisted 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.
Subsequent to a conference of army officers on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were collaborating to preserve order in the country.
By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at state TV building trying to address the emergency, according to a statement from the presidential office.
Talking on understanding of anonymity, a top leader in Madagascar's major opposition party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also stated it intends to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".
Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They comprise previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows approximately one-third of people have access to electricity.
The protests commenced over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power cuts, then escalated to demonstrate wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 people were fatally injured and in excess of 100 wounded in the opening days of the protests, although the government has denied these numbers.
Eyewitnesses detail security officers shooting on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a newborn succumbed from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by several protests since it gained independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his stylish, baby-faced appeal soon declined, as claims of nepotism and established corruption became ongoing.
More on Madagascar's emergency:
- Regarding the Gen Z protesters who aim to pressure Madagascar's president from power
- Defense general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations