Military personnel pledge to occupy government TV in Madagascar, presidential office reports, amid concerns of power grab

Political crisis in Madagascar
Youth initiated countrywide demonstrations insisting on a fairer deal for the population

Soldiers have warned to take control of the national TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his staff says, amid unofficial information that he has departed from the country.

A international military aircraft is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of countrywide demonstrations designed to kicking him from power.

His failed efforts to placate young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make other concessions to no avail.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was in progress to push him from power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been postponed numerous times - it was first scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by announcing itself in command of all the armed forces, while several of its members joined protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the new Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the armed services were working together to preserve stability in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the general was at state TV building trying to resolve the emergency, according to a communication from the presidency.

Talking on understanding of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's major rival party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it aims to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to nearby Mauritius. They consist of previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows approximately one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to demonstrate wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and more than 100 wounded in the opening days of the rallies, although the administration has rejected these numbers.

Observers describe law enforcement using weapons on demonstrators with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to govern for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, prior to entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, baby-faced charm soon waned, as claims of favoritism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

  • Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Military officer named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations
Lorraine Stone
Lorraine Stone

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