Soldiers pledge to occupy national TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid warnings of power grab
Soldiers have warned to take control of the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his administration reports, amid unverified reports that he has left the country.
A foreign military aircraft is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide demonstrations intended to removing him out of power.
His failed efforts to placate young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make additional compromises to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was ongoing to force him from power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was originally due at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by declaring itself in command of all the army, while numerous of its officers aligned with activists on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.
Following a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the security forces were cooperating to preserve order in the country.
By Monday night, the general was at state TV facilities working to resolve the situation, according to a statement from the administration.
Talking on basis of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's major opposition party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it plans to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".
Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They include former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while data shows approximately one-third of people have availability to electricity.
The rallies started over anger with repeated water and power cuts, then increased to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and more than 100 wounded in the opening days of the rallies, although the administration has rejected these numbers.
Witnesses detail police opening fire on protesters with live ammunition. In an instance, a infant succumbed from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, comprising large-scale rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to joining politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his sharp-suited, young-looking appeal soon declined, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.
More on Madagascar's emergency:
- About the Gen Z demonstrators who want to force Madagascar's head of state from power
- Army commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies