Soldiers pledge to occupy government TV in Madagascar, presidential office reports, amid concerns of government overthrow
Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office reports, amid unofficial reports that he has fled the country.
A foreign military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of national protests designed to ousting him from power.
His ineffective attempts to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make additional agreements to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his administration said an effort was ongoing to push him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned statement to the nation has been postponed multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by announcing itself in charge of all the army, while several of its officers aligned with demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a conference of military leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the armed services were working together to maintain stability in the island nation.
By Monday late afternoon, the general was at national TV building working to address the emergency, according to a communication from the presidential office.
Communicating on understanding of privacy, a top official in Madagascar's biggest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally announced it intends to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".
Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They consist of previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the economic hardship level, while data shows about one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.
The protests started over frustration with repeated water and power cuts, then escalated to demonstrate more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and over 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the authorities has disputed these figures.
Observers report security officers opening fire on protesters with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a baby succumbed from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.
But his sharp-suited, youthful charm rapidly declined, as accusations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.
Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:
- Behind the Gen Z protesters who want to compel Madagascar's president from power
- Military officer named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests