Military personnel threaten to seize government TV in Madagascar, presidential office reports, amid alerts of coup attempt
Military members have declared intention to seize the government TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his administration says, amid unofficial information that he has left the country.
A foreign military plane is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of nationwide rallies aimed at ousting him out of power.
His unsuccessful endeavors to calm young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further concessions to no avail.
On Sunday, his administration said an attempt was under way to force him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been delayed multiple times - it was first scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by proclaiming itself in control of all the armed forces, while some of its personnel aligned with protesters on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.
After a gathering of military officers on Monday, the current Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the armed services were cooperating to maintain stability in the state.
By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at national TV headquarters working to resolve the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency.
Communicating on understanding of privacy, a senior official in Madagascar's largest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also stated it intends to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".
Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.
The rallies started over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power outages, then intensified to demonstrate broader discontent with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 individuals were killed and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the administration has rejected these statistics.
Witnesses report security officers using weapons on civilians with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by several uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, including large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to govern for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.
But his stylish, baby-faced appeal rapidly declined, as allegations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became persistent.
Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:
- Regarding the Gen Z activists who aim to compel Madagascar's president from power
- Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests