Soldiers vow to seize government TV in Madagascar, presidency says, amid concerns of government overthrow
Soldiers have warned to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his staff confirms, amid unconfirmed information that he has left the country.
A foreign military aircraft is said to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests intended to ousting him out of power.
His unsuccessful efforts to placate young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make additional concessions to without success.
On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was ongoing to push him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned speech to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army division - called CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by announcing itself in command of all the army, while numerous of its personnel joined protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.
After a conference of army commanders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were working together to maintain peace in the state.
By Monday night, the commander was at national TV building attempting to settle the situation, according to a announcement from the administration.
Communicating on understanding of anonymity, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it aims to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".
Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to close Mauritius. They comprise former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows just over one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.
The rallies commenced over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power cuts, then escalated to represent wider discontent with Rajoelina's government over high 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 authorities has disputed these statistics.
Eyewitnesses describe security officers opening fire on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a infant died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by numerous rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, including extensive rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to rule for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his stylish, young-looking attraction soon diminished, as accusations of nepotism and established corruption became ongoing.
Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:
- Regarding the Gen Z protesters who aim to force Madagascar's president from power
- Army officer appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations