Soldiers pledge to occupy national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid warnings of government overthrow
Military members have threatened to occupy the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office reports, amid unconfirmed reports that he has left the country.
A international military plane is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide demonstrations intended to kicking him out of power.
His failed efforts to appease young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make other agreements to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his office said an attempt was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was first planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its officers supported protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a gathering of defense officers on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were working together to maintain stability in the island nation.
By Monday night, the commander was at government TV headquarters attempting to settle the emergency, according to a communication from the administration.
Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's largest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore stated it aims to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".
Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while data shows about one-third of residents have availability to electricity.
The demonstrations began over anger with frequent water and power cuts, then intensified to reflect broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and more than 100 wounded in the initial days of the rallies, although the authorities has denied these statistics.
Eyewitnesses detail law enforcement using weapons on civilians with real bullets. In an instance, a baby succumbed from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by several protests since it achieved independence in 1960, including extensive demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to lead for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his well-dressed, young-looking attraction soon declined, as allegations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became persistent.
Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:
- Regarding the Gen Z protesters who seek to pressure Madagascar's president from power
- Army officer appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests