Military personnel pledge to seize state TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid alerts of power grab
Soldiers have declared intention to seize the government TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his office confirms, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has left the country.
A international military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of nationwide protests designed to kicking him from power.
His unsuccessful endeavors to calm young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make other concessions to no avail.
On Sunday, his staff said an effort was in progress to push him from power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been postponed several times - it was originally planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its officers joined activists on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a conference of army officers on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the armed services were cooperating to preserve stability in the state.
By Monday late afternoon, the general was at government TV headquarters attempting to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidential office.
Talking on understanding of privacy, a senior leader in Madagascar's biggest rival party told that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally said it aims to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".
Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to close Mauritius. They include ex- Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the poverty line, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have availability to electricity.
The protests commenced over frustration with repeated water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 people were killed and in excess of 100 hurt in the first few days of the protests, although the administration has disputed these statistics.
Witnesses describe law enforcement opening fire on civilians with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising extensive demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm rapidly diminished, as accusations of favoritism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.
Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:
- About the Gen Z activists who seek to compel Madagascar's leader from power
- Army general appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests