Military personnel threaten to occupy government TV in Madagascar, presidential office reports, amid concerns of government overthrow
Military members have warned to seize the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his staff confirms, amid unverified information that he has left the country.
A foreign military jet is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide demonstrations designed to kicking him from power.
His ineffective attempts to appease young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make other agreements to no avail.
On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to push him from power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been postponed numerous times - it was originally planned at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by proclaiming itself in command of all the armed forces, while numerous of its personnel supported activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.
Following a meeting of military officers on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were cooperating to maintain order in the island nation.
By Monday night, the officer was at government TV building trying to settle the crisis, according to a communication from the presidential office.
Talking on basis of privacy, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's major competing party told that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally said it aims to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".
Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They include former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows about one-third of people have access to electricity.
The rallies commenced over frustration with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the protests, although the authorities has disputed these numbers.
Witnesses describe security officers shooting on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a infant succumbed from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by numerous protests since it obtained independence in 1960, including extensive demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to govern for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to joining politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his sharp-suited, young-looking appeal quickly diminished, as claims of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.
Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:
- Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to compel Madagascar's president from power
- Military commander appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations