Soldiers vow to take over government TV in Madagascar, presidential office says, amid alerts of coup attempt

National crisis in Madagascar
Young people led national demonstrations demanding a fairer deal for the population

Military members have declared intention to seize the government TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his office confirms, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has fled the country.

A international military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of countrywide demonstrations aimed at kicking him from power.

His ineffective efforts to placate young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make additional concessions to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his office said an effort was under way to push him from power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by proclaiming itself in control of all the army, while some of its officers supported demonstrators on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of army officers on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the security forces were cooperating to preserve order in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV headquarters attempting to resolve the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Communicating on condition of anonymity, a top official in Madagascar's major opposition party told that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also stated it plans to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They include previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while data shows about one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies commenced over frustration with frequent water and power cuts, then escalated to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and in excess of 100 hurt in the initial days of the protests, although the administration has disputed these figures.

Eyewitnesses describe security officers using weapons on demonstrators with real bullets. In an instance, a newborn succumbed from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before joining politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his stylish, young-looking attraction quickly diminished, as accusations of favoritism and established corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

  • About the Gen Z activists who seek to compel Madagascar's leader from power
  • Military general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations
Samuel Garcia
Samuel Garcia

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