Armed forces vow to seize national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid warnings of coup attempt
Armed forces have threatened to seize the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his office says, amid unverified accounts that he has departed from the country.
A international military jet is said to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of nationwide demonstrations designed to removing him out of power.
His ineffective efforts to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make further compromises to no avail.
On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was under way to push him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled statement to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was first planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its officers aligned with protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a gathering of defense officers on Monday, the new Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the security forces were cooperating to preserve stability in the island nation.
By Monday night, the general was at national TV building attempting to resolve the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.
Communicating on understanding of confidentiality, a senior representative in Madagascar's major competing party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it aims to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".
Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the economic hardship level, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have access to electricity.
The rallies commenced over anger with frequent water and power outages, then intensified to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 people were killed and over 100 hurt in the opening days of the protests, although the authorities has disputed these statistics.
Witnesses report security officers shooting on demonstrators with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising extensive protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to lead for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his sharp-suited, youthful appeal quickly waned, as claims of nepotism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.
Additional information about Madagascar's situation:
- About the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to force Madagascar's president from power
- Military officer designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests