Military personnel pledge to occupy state TV in Madagascar, presidential office says, amid alerts of government overthrow
Armed forces have warned to seize the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unofficial accounts that he has departed from the country.
A French military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of countrywide protests designed to ousting him out of power.
His unsuccessful attempts to appease young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was under way to pressure him from power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been delayed multiple times - it was first scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by announcing itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its officers supported protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a gathering of military commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were collaborating to maintain order in the state.
By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at government TV headquarters attempting to address the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.
Speaking on basis of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's major opposition party told that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also said it aims to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".
Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.
The demonstrations commenced over anger with frequent water and power cuts, then increased to reflect more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the government has denied these numbers.
Eyewitnesses detail law enforcement shooting on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In one case, a infant succumbed from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by several rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to govern for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to joining politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm soon waned, as claims of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.
Additional information about Madagascar's situation:
- Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
- Military commander named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies