Soldiers pledge to seize national TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of government overthrow
Military members have warned to take control of the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his staff reports, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.
A international military jet is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of nationwide protests intended to ousting him out of power.
His unsuccessful endeavors to calm young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make additional compromises to without success.
On Sunday, his administration said an effort was under way to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned speech to the nation has been put off several times - it was initially due at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army unit - called CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the army, while some of its members supported activists on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a gathering of defense commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the security forces were cooperating to preserve peace in the country.
By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at national TV building trying to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.
Communicating on condition of privacy, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's major opposition party informed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it aims to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".
Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have access to electricity.
The protests commenced over anger with repeated water and power cuts, then intensified to represent broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and over 100 wounded in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has rejected these numbers.
Witnesses detail law enforcement opening fire on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a infant died from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by several protests since it gained independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to lead for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm rapidly waned, as allegations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.
More on Madagascar's situation:
- Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to force Madagascar's leader from power
- Military general appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests