Soldiers threaten to take over national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration reports, amid warnings of coup attempt
Soldiers have threatened to take control of the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his office reports, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.
A international military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of nationwide demonstrations intended to ousting him out of power.
His unsuccessful efforts to calm young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make additional agreements to without success.
On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was under way to pressure him out of power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been postponed multiple times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army division - called CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while numerous of its members aligned with protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.
After a conference of military officers on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the military were working together to preserve peace in the island nation.
By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at state TV facilities attempting to address the emergency, according to a communication from the presidency.
Speaking on understanding of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's largest opposition party informed that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore announced it plans to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".
Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the poverty line, while statistics shows about one-third of residents have access to electricity.
The protests started over frustration with frequent water and power interruptions, then increased to demonstrate broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 civilians were killed and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has denied these numbers.
Observers describe police shooting on protesters with live ammunition. In an instance, a infant passed away from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by multiple protests since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to joining 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 charm soon diminished, as claims of favoritism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.
More on Madagascar's crisis:
- Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
- Defense commander named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies