Soldiers vow to take over state TV in Madagascar, leader's administration announces, amid warnings of power grab

Government turmoil in Madagascar
Protesters spearheaded countrywide demonstrations calling for a better deal for citizens

Military members have threatened to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his staff reports, amid unofficial accounts that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of national rallies designed to ousting him from power.

His ineffective attempts to appease young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make additional concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was in progress to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been postponed numerous times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by announcing itself in control of all the armed forces, while several of its members joined protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of defense leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the armed services were cooperating to keep stability in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV building attempting to settle the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidential office.

Speaking on basis of anonymity, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's major rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it aims to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They include former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows about one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies commenced over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power cuts, then escalated to represent wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has denied these figures.

Witnesses detail security officers shooting on demonstrators with real bullets. In one case, a infant succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by several rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to govern for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, young-looking charm quickly diminished, as claims of cronyism and established corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

  • Behind the Gen Z activists who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
  • Defense general named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies
Cassandra Johnson
Cassandra Johnson

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