Military personnel threaten to seize national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid alerts of power grab
Armed forces have declared intention to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his staff reports, amid unverified accounts that he has departed from the country.
A international military plane is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a 14 days of countrywide demonstrations intended to removing him out of power.
His unsuccessful efforts to appease young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make additional agreements to without success.
On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was under way to force him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been put off several times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army division - known as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by declaring itself in control of all the army, while several of its officers aligned with activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.
Following a gathering of military commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were cooperating to preserve stability in the country.
By Monday late afternoon, the general was at government TV building attempting to settle the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.
Communicating on condition of confidentiality, a top leader in Madagascar's biggest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also announced it aims to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".
Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to close Mauritius. They include previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the economic hardship level, while data shows about one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.
The rallies began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then intensified to demonstrate broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 people were fatally injured and in excess of 100 hurt in the first few days of the rallies, although the administration has denied these figures.
Witnesses detail law enforcement using weapons on demonstrators with live ammunition. In one case, a newborn died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by multiple uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to rule for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his stylish, youthful charm soon diminished, as claims of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.
More on Madagascar's emergency:
- Regarding the Gen Z activists who aim to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
- Army officer appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests