Armed forces pledge to take over national TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of power grab
Soldiers have warned to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unconfirmed information that he has departed from the country.
A French military aircraft is said to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of national rallies designed to ousting him out of power.
His unsuccessful endeavors to appease young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further agreements to no avail.
On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was in progress to pressure him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in charge of all the military, while several of its officers aligned with protesters on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a gathering of military officers on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were working together to keep stability in the state.
By Monday late afternoon, the general was at national TV building working to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest opposition party told that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also stated it intends to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".
Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to close Mauritius. They comprise former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the economic hardship level, while data shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.
The rallies began over frustration with frequent water and power cuts, then escalated to represent more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 people were fatally injured and more than 100 hurt in the initial days of the protests, although the authorities has disputed these numbers.
Witnesses detail law enforcement opening fire on demonstrators with real bullets. In a particular situation, a baby passed away from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.
But his stylish, youthful appeal soon declined, as claims of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.
More on Madagascar's crisis:
- About the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
- Defense general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests