Armed forces threaten to take over national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration announces, amid alerts of coup attempt

Political turmoil in Madagascar
Youth led countrywide rallies insisting on a fairer deal for residents

Armed forces have declared intention to seize the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his staff reports, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A international military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide rallies intended to kicking him from power.

His ineffective efforts to calm young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make additional compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his administration said an attempt was in progress to push him from power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned statement to the nation has been put off several times - it was initially due at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in control of all the military, while some of its personnel joined protesters on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the new Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the security forces were collaborating to keep peace in the country.

By Monday evening, the officer was at state TV facilities trying to settle the emergency, according to a statement from the presidential office.

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

The TIM party has furthermore announced it plans to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to close Mauritius. They comprise previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the economic hardship level, while data shows just over one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies began over anger with frequent water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and over 100 wounded in the opening days of the protests, although the administration has denied these numbers.

Witnesses describe security officers opening fire on protesters with live ammunition. In an instance, a infant passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, comprising mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, young-looking charm soon declined, as claims of favoritism and established corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

  • About the Gen Z activists who want to force Madagascar's president from power
  • Military commander named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies
John Santana
John Santana

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