Armed forces vow to occupy government TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid warnings of government overthrow
Military members have threatened to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unverified information that he has departed from the country.
A French military jet is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a 14 days of countrywide demonstrations intended to removing him out of power.
His failed endeavors to appease young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make further compromises to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his office said an effort was in progress to push him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been put off several times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by announcing itself in command of all the military, while several of its personnel supported demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
After a gathering of military leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the armed services were collaborating to keep peace in the state.
By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at national TV building attempting to address the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidential office.
Talking on understanding of anonymity, a senior representative in Madagascar's biggest rival party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore announced it aims to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".
Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to close Mauritius. They comprise previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have access to electricity.
The demonstrations started over anger with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to represent broader discontent with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 people were lost their lives and more than 100 wounded in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the administration has denied these numbers.
Observers report law enforcement shooting on civilians with live ammunition. In one case, a baby passed away from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by several uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then coming back to power again 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 along the way.
But his well-dressed, baby-faced attraction rapidly diminished, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.
Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:
- Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
- Army general designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies