Armed forces threaten to occupy state TV in Madagascar, presidency says, amid warnings of coup attempt
Soldiers have threatened to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed reports that he has left the country.
A international military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests intended to kicking him from power.
His ineffective attempts to placate young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make further agreements to no avail.
On Sunday, his staff said an effort was ongoing to push him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled statement to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by announcing itself in command of all the army, while several of its officers joined demonstrators on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.
Following a conference of military officers on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were collaborating to preserve order in the island nation.
By Monday evening, the commander was at national TV headquarters working to resolve the emergency, according to a announcement from the administration.
Talking on condition of confidentiality, a top leader in Madagascar's biggest opposition party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally said it aims to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".
Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to nearby Mauritius. They comprise former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows approximately one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.
The rallies commenced over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and more than 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has denied these numbers.
Witnesses detail security officers opening fire on protesters with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a infant succumbed from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by several protests since it obtained independence in 1960, including mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.
But his sharp-suited, young-looking appeal rapidly waned, as allegations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.
Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:
- About the Gen Z demonstrators who want to compel Madagascar's president from power
- Defense officer appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies