Armed forces vow to occupy national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration announces, amid concerns of power grab
Military members have declared intention to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his staff confirms, amid unofficial information that he has fled the country.
A international military plane is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of countrywide protests aimed at removing him out of power.
His ineffective attempts to calm young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make other concessions to without success.
On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was in progress to force him from power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been delayed multiple times - it was first scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army division - called CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while some of its officers joined demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a meeting of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the security forces were collaborating to maintain peace in the state.
By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at state TV headquarters working to resolve the crisis, according to a statement from the presidency.
Communicating on understanding of confidentiality, a top representative in Madagascar's major competing party told that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally said it intends to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".
Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the poverty line, while information shows about one-third of people have access to electricity.
The protests commenced over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and over 100 hurt in the initial days of the rallies, although the authorities has disputed these statistics.
Witnesses report police using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to govern for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his well-dressed, youthful charm rapidly waned, as allegations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.
Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:
- Behind the Gen Z activists who want to force Madagascar's president from power
- Army general designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations