Military personnel pledge to take over government TV in Madagascar, leader's administration reports, amid concerns of government overthrow
Military members have declared intention to occupy the national TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has fled the country.
A French military plane is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of national rallies intended to ousting him from power.
His ineffective endeavors to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make additional agreements to without success.
On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to force him from power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was originally due at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by declaring itself in command of all the armed forces, while some of its members supported activists on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a gathering of army officers on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the armed services were working together to preserve order in the state.
By Monday evening, the officer was at state TV facilities trying to address the situation, according to a statement from the administration.
Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a top representative in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally announced it plans to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".
Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to close Mauritius. They comprise ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows just over one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.
The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power interruptions, then increased to represent wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 civilians were killed and more than 100 injured in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has disputed these figures.
Eyewitnesses describe security officers opening fire on civilians with lethal rounds. In an instance, a baby succumbed from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been impacted by numerous rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to govern for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his sharp-suited, youthful appeal quickly declined, as claims of cronyism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.
Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:
- About the Gen Z protesters who want to force Madagascar's president from power
- Defense officer appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies