Military personnel vow to occupy national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid warnings of government overthrow
Soldiers have warned to seize the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his office confirms, amid unofficial information that he has left the country.
A international military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a 14 days of nationwide rallies designed to removing him from power.
His failed efforts to placate young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make further compromises to no avail.
On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was first planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while several of its members joined protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.
After a meeting of army commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the security forces were working together to keep order in the state.
By Monday late afternoon, the general was at national TV building working to address the crisis, according to a communication from the presidential office.
Talking on understanding of anonymity, a senior representative in Madagascar's biggest competing party told that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also announced it intends to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".
Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the poverty line, while data shows approximately one-third of people have access to electricity.
The demonstrations began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to represent more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 people were fatally injured and in excess of 100 hurt in the first few days of the protests, although the authorities has denied these numbers.
Observers report law enforcement using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his well-dressed, young-looking charm quickly diminished, as accusations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.
Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:
- About the Gen Z protesters who aim to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
- Defense officer designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations