Armed forces pledge to take over government TV in Madagascar, presidency says, amid warnings of power grab
Military members have threatened to take control of the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his office says, amid unofficial information that he has left the country.
A international military plane is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a two weeks of countrywide demonstrations designed to removing him out of power.
His failed attempts to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make other compromises to without success.
On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to force him from power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was first due at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army unit - known as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by announcing itself in control of all the army, while numerous of its personnel joined activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a gathering of military commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were collaborating to keep peace in the state.
By Monday night, the officer was at national TV headquarters working to address the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency.
Talking on basis of anonymity, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's major competing party told that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally said it plans to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".
Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to close Mauritius. They comprise former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the economic hardship level, while data shows approximately one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.
The protests began over frustration with repeated water and power outages, then escalated to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and in excess of 100 injured in the opening days of the protests, although the administration has disputed these figures.
Witnesses describe law enforcement shooting on demonstrators with live ammunition. In one case, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before joining politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.
But his well-dressed, youthful charm quickly waned, as allegations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became persistent.
Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:
- Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
- Army general designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests