Soldiers vow to take over state TV in Madagascar, leader's administration announces, amid warnings of coup attempt
Soldiers have threatened to take control of the government TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed information that he has left the country.
A international military plane is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide rallies intended to kicking him from power.
His unsuccessful endeavors to calm young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make further agreements to without success.
On Sunday, his staff said an effort was under way to pressure him out of power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by announcing itself in control of all the armed forces, while several of its personnel joined protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a gathering of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were cooperating to maintain peace in the state.
By Monday night, the officer was at state TV facilities attempting to address the crisis, according to a communication from the administration.
Speaking on condition of privacy, a top leader in Madagascar's major rival party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore stated it intends to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".
Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows approximately one-third of individuals have access to electricity.
The demonstrations began over frustration with frequent water and power cuts, then increased to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and more than 100 injured in the opening days of the rallies, although the government has rejected these figures.
Eyewitnesses detail police using weapons on civilians with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn succumbed from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by numerous uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, including large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to rule for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his stylish, baby-faced attraction soon declined, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.
More on Madagascar's situation:
- Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
- Military general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations