Armed forces pledge to take over national TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid concerns of coup attempt

Government crisis in Madagascar
Young people spearheaded nationwide protests demanding a fairer deal for citizens

Armed forces have warned to seize the government TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A foreign military aircraft is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of nationwide protests intended to ousting him out of power.

His failed efforts to calm young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make additional agreements to no avail.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - called CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while some of its members supported protesters on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of military leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the security forces were collaborating to maintain peace in the island nation.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at national TV building trying to resolve the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidential office.

Communicating on condition of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's largest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

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

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to close Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the poverty line, while information shows just over one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations began over frustration with frequent water and power cuts, then increased to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the protests, although the administration has disputed these statistics.

Witnesses describe law enforcement opening fire on civilians with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

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

At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to govern for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before entering politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced attraction quickly declined, as claims of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

  • Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to force Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Defense general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies
Samantha Fields
Samantha Fields

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