Armed forces vow to occupy national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration reports, amid alerts of coup attempt
Military members have declared intention to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.
A French military aircraft is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests designed to ousting him out of power.
His failed endeavors to calm young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make further compromises to without success.
On Sunday, his office said an effort was under way to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned speech to the nation has been postponed multiple times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a influential army division - called CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the armed forces, while several of its personnel joined protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a conference of army officers on Monday, the current Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were collaborating to keep order in the country.
By Monday evening, the commander was at state TV building trying to resolve the situation, according to a communication from the presidential office.
Speaking on basis of anonymity, a senior representative in Madagascar's largest competing party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it intends to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".
Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to close Mauritius. They consist of former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its rich raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the poverty line, while information shows just over one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.
The demonstrations started over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then escalated to represent more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 people were killed and in excess of 100 wounded in the initial days of the rallies, although the government has denied these figures.
Witnesses detail law enforcement shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a newborn died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by numerous rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to govern for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his well-dressed, young-looking appeal rapidly declined, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became persistent.
Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:
- Behind the Gen Z activists who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
- Defense general appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies