Soldiers vow to occupy state TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid alerts of coup attempt
Military members have declared intention to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office confirms, amid unverified reports that he has fled the country.
A foreign military aircraft is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national rallies intended to ousting him from power.
His unsuccessful efforts to placate young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make further concessions to no avail.
On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to push him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was first planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army unit - called CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its members joined demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a meeting of military leaders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the military were collaborating to maintain stability in the island nation.
By Monday evening, the commander was at state TV headquarters working to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the presidential office.
Communicating on basis of anonymity, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's biggest competing party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore stated it intends to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".
Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They comprise former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows approximately one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.
The demonstrations began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power outages, then intensified to reflect broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and over 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the authorities has denied these figures.
Eyewitnesses detail security officers opening fire on protesters with lethal rounds. In an instance, a baby passed away from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by several rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to lead for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his well-dressed, young-looking charm rapidly waned, as claims of cronyism and established corruption became unshakeable.
Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:
- Regarding the Gen Z protesters who aim to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
- Military commander named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies