Armed forces pledge to seize national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration reports, amid warnings of power grab
Military members have threatened to occupy the national TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified reports that he has left the country.
A international military jet is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of nationwide demonstrations designed to kicking him from power.
His ineffective endeavors to calm young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make other compromises to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his administration said an effort was ongoing to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been postponed several times - it was originally due at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in command of all the military, while numerous of its personnel joined protesters on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a gathering of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the military were working together to preserve peace in the country.
By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at government TV facilities trying to resolve the situation, according to a statement from the presidential office.
Talking on understanding of privacy, a senior representative in Madagascar's major competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it plans to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".
Several of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to close Mauritius. They comprise previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have access to electricity.
The protests started over anger with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to represent more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 people were fatally injured and over 100 wounded in the first few days of the protests, although the government has disputed these numbers.
Observers describe security officers shooting on demonstrators with real bullets. In one case, a infant succumbed from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by several rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his sharp-suited, youthful attraction rapidly diminished, as accusations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.
More on Madagascar's crisis:
- Regarding the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's president from power
- Army commander appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations