Military personnel pledge to occupy national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration announces, amid concerns of power grab

National unrest in Madagascar
Protesters spearheaded nationwide protests demanding a more equitable deal for the population

Soldiers have declared intention to seize the state TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his staff confirms, amid unofficial information that he has left the country.

A French military plane is said to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a 14 days of nationwide rallies designed to ousting him from power.

His failed efforts to appease young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his administration said an attempt was in progress to force him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been postponed several times - it was first scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - known as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by announcing itself in control of all the military, while numerous of its members supported protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of military commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the security forces were working together to keep peace in the state.

By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV facilities working to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Talking on understanding of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's largest opposition party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it intends to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the poverty line, while data shows about one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The protests commenced over frustration with ongoing water and power cuts, then escalated to represent more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and more than 100 hurt in the first few days of the rallies, although the government has denied these statistics.

Witnesses detail security officers shooting on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn passed away from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that forced 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 least experienced leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to entering 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, youthful attraction soon diminished, as accusations of cronyism and established corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

  • About the Gen Z activists who aim to force Madagascar's president from power
  • Military general designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies
Patrick Wilson
Patrick Wilson

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