Military personnel pledge to seize national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid warnings of government overthrow

Government crisis in Madagascar
Young people led nationwide protests calling for a better deal for the population

Military members have threatened to seize the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his staff reports, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has left the country.

A foreign military plane is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests designed to ousting him from power.

His ineffective attempts to appease young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make additional agreements to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - known as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the army, while numerous of its officers joined protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of army leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the armed services were collaborating to preserve peace in the state.

By Monday evening, the general was at state TV headquarters trying to resolve the situation, according to a communication from the administration.

Speaking on understanding of confidentiality, a top official in Madagascar's biggest opposition party told that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also announced it intends to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to demonstrate wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and over 100 injured in the initial days of the protests, although the government has disputed these numbers.

Observers describe law enforcement shooting on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In one case, a baby died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his stylish, young-looking appeal quickly waned, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

  • About the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
  • Military general appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests
Bruce Wallace
Bruce Wallace

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about innovation and self-improvement, sharing insights from years of experience.

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