Military personnel vow to seize national TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid alerts of power grab

Government unrest in Madagascar
Protesters led national rallies calling for a better deal for citizens

Armed forces have declared intention to seize the state TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his administration says, amid unofficial reports that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military plane is said to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a two weeks of countrywide demonstrations intended to kicking him from power.

His unsuccessful attempts to appease young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was under way to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been delayed several times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army force - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by announcing itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its officers aligned with demonstrators on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the military were cooperating to maintain order in the country.

By Monday night, the officer was at national TV building trying to resolve the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Communicating on understanding of confidentiality, a top leader in Madagascar's largest rival party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it intends to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They comprise ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows approximately one-third of people have access to electricity.

The demonstrations began over anger with ongoing water and power cuts, then increased to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and more than 100 hurt in the first few days of the rallies, although the government has rejected these statistics.

Observers report police using weapons on demonstrators with real bullets. In a particular situation, a infant passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple protests since it obtained independence in 1960, including mass demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in 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 along the way.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm soon declined, as allegations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

  • Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
  • Army commander designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies
Michele Murray
Michele Murray

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