Armed forces threaten to take over national TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid alerts of coup attempt
Military members have warned to seize the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his office confirms, amid unofficial information that he has left the country.
A French military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national rallies designed to ousting him from power.
His ineffective endeavors to appease young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make further concessions to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was ongoing to push him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been postponed numerous times - it was originally planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the army, while some of its personnel supported activists on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the military were working together to keep peace in the state.
By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at government TV building trying to resolve the emergency, according to a communication from the administration.
Communicating on understanding of privacy, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's biggest competing party told that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also announced it aims to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".
Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to close Mauritius. They include previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.
The rallies started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then increased to reflect more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 civilians were killed and over 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the government has disputed these figures.
Observers detail police opening fire on civilians with real bullets. In one case, a baby died from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing mass rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to lead for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his well-dressed, young-looking charm soon diminished, as allegations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.
More on Madagascar's situation:
- Regarding the Gen Z protesters who aim to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
- Defense general appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies