Military personnel pledge to occupy state TV in Madagascar, leader's administration announces, amid warnings of coup attempt

Government turmoil in Madagascar
Youth spearheaded national demonstrations insisting on a better deal for citizens

Armed forces have warned to seize the national TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unofficial accounts that he has departed from the country.

A international military jet is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national protests aimed at kicking him from power.

His ineffective efforts to placate young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further concessions to unsuccessfully.

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

Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been delayed several times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by proclaiming itself in command of all the armed forces, while numerous of its officers aligned with activists on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were collaborating to preserve order in the country.

By Monday evening, the officer was at national TV building trying to settle the emergency, according to a statement from the presidency.

Speaking on understanding of privacy, a top leader in Madagascar's biggest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally said it plans to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to nearby Mauritius. They consist of ex- Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the poverty line, while statistics shows approximately one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The rallies commenced over frustration with frequent water and power interruptions, then escalated to represent wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and in excess of 100 wounded in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the government has rejected these statistics.

Witnesses describe police using weapons on demonstrators with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, including mass demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his stylish, youthful attraction quickly declined, as claims of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

  • Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations
Jacqueline Bush
Jacqueline Bush

A seasoned crypto analyst and writer passionate about demystifying digital currencies for everyday investors.

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