Soldiers pledge to take over government TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid warnings of coup attempt
Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has fled the country.
A foreign military plane is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of national protests aimed at kicking him from power.
His ineffective endeavors to calm young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make additional concessions to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his office said an attempt was under way to pressure him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been delayed multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by announcing itself in command of all the armed forces, while numerous of its members supported activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a conference of army leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the security forces were cooperating to keep order in the state.
By Monday night, the commander was at government TV building attempting to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.
Talking on understanding of anonymity, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's biggest opposition party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally announced it intends to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".
Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They include former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.
The rallies started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then escalated to represent more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 civilians were killed and more than 100 wounded in the opening days of the rallies, although the authorities has rejected these figures.
Eyewitnesses detail law enforcement opening fire on protesters with live ammunition. In one case, a baby died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by multiple rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.
But his sharp-suited, youthful charm quickly diminished, as allegations of nepotism and established corruption became persistent.
Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:
- About the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
- Army officer named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations