Armed forces threaten to occupy national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid warnings of power grab

Government unrest in Madagascar
Young people spearheaded countrywide rallies insisting on a better deal for the population

Armed forces have threatened to seize the government TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his staff reports, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.

A foreign military jet is said to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national rallies designed to ousting him from power.

His unsuccessful attempts to appease young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make further compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was originally due at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by declaring itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its personnel supported demonstrators on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of defense officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the armed services were collaborating to preserve stability in the island nation.

By Monday night, the commander was at national TV facilities working to settle the crisis, according to a statement from the presidential office.

Communicating on basis of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's biggest rival party told that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it intends to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to close Mauritius. They comprise former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The protests commenced over frustration with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate broader discontent with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and over 100 wounded in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has rejected these figures.

Observers detail security officers shooting on protesters with real bullets. In a particular situation, a baby passed away from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to lead for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, young-looking charm quickly diminished, as allegations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's situation:

  • About the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to force Madagascar's leader from power
  • Army general designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies
Frank Thomas
Frank Thomas

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