Armed forces pledge to seize national TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid concerns of coup attempt
Soldiers have warned to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his administration reports, amid unofficial information that he has departed from the country.
A French military plane is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of countrywide protests aimed at removing him from power.
His failed attempts to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make other agreements to without success.
On Sunday, his administration said an effort was under way to force him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled statement to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was first planned at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by proclaiming itself in command of all the military, while some of its members aligned with demonstrators on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a conference of military officers on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the armed services were collaborating to preserve order in the state.
By Monday night, the officer was at government TV facilities working to resolve the situation, according to a statement from the presidential office.
Communicating on understanding of confidentiality, a senior representative in Madagascar's biggest competing party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore said it plans to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".
Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows approximately one-third of people have access to electricity.
The demonstrations began over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power interruptions, then increased to represent more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 people were killed and over 100 hurt in the first few days of the rallies, although the administration has denied these statistics.
Witnesses report police opening fire on demonstrators with real bullets. In a particular situation, a infant died from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by numerous rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing extensive rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to govern for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to joining politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his sharp-suited, youthful charm quickly declined, as allegations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.
Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:
- About the Gen Z protesters who want to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
- Defense general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests