Soldiers pledge to seize state TV in Madagascar, presidential office reports, amid concerns of government overthrow
Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the government TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his office reports, amid unconfirmed information that he has departed from the country.
A foreign military plane is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests designed to removing him out of power.
His ineffective attempts to calm young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make additional agreements to no avail.
On Sunday, his office said an effort was ongoing to push him out of power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been put off several times - it was first scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army unit - called CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while several of its personnel joined activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.
After a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were cooperating to keep order in the island nation.
By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at state TV facilities trying to address the emergency, according to a communication from the presidential office.
Communicating on basis of confidentiality, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's major competing party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also announced it aims to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".
Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to nearby Mauritius. They comprise previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the economic hardship level, while information shows about one-third of individuals have access to electricity.
The protests commenced over frustration with ongoing water and power outages, then intensified to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and more than 100 injured in the initial days of the protests, although the government has rejected these numbers.
Observers detail law enforcement using weapons on civilians with lethal rounds. In an instance, a baby passed away from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by multiple protests since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.
Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to joining politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.
But his sharp-suited, baby-faced attraction soon waned, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.
More on Madagascar's crisis:
- About the Gen Z activists who want to force Madagascar's leader from power
- Army general named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests