Soldiers vow to seize national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid warnings of government overthrow
Armed forces have warned to occupy the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his administration says, amid unconfirmed information that he has left the country.
A foreign military plane is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of nationwide rallies intended to removing him from power.
His unsuccessful efforts to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make additional concessions to without success.
On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to force him out of power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been postponed numerous times - it was originally due at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army force - known as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by proclaiming itself in control of all the army, while numerous of its officers supported activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a gathering of defense commanders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the security forces were collaborating to preserve order in the country.
By Monday night, the commander was at national TV headquarters trying to address the crisis, according to a announcement from the presidency.
Talking on basis of privacy, a top representative in Madagascar's biggest rival party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also said it aims to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".
Several of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to close Mauritius. They include former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows about one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.
The rallies began over frustration with frequent water and power interruptions, then intensified to reflect wider discontent with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 people were fatally injured and over 100 hurt in the initial days of the rallies, although the administration has rejected these statistics.
Eyewitnesses report security officers shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a baby succumbed from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by multiple rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, including mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to lead for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his well-dressed, young-looking charm rapidly declined, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.
More on Madagascar's situation:
- Regarding the Gen Z protesters who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
- Defense commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations