Military personnel vow to seize state TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid alerts of coup attempt

National turmoil in Madagascar
Young people initiated nationwide demonstrations calling for a fairer deal for citizens

Soldiers have threatened to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his office says, amid unofficial accounts that he has departed from the country.

A international military jet is said to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a 14 days of countrywide rallies aimed at kicking him from power.

His unsuccessful attempts to calm young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make other compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his office said an attempt was under way to force him from power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been postponed several times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - called CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by announcing itself in control of all the military, while some of its members aligned with protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of army officers on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were working together to maintain peace in the state.

By Monday night, the general was at state TV headquarters working to address the crisis, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Talking on understanding of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's major competing party told that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it plans to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations started over frustration with repeated water and power outages, then intensified to reflect wider discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and more than 100 wounded in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has rejected these figures.

Observers report security officers shooting on protesters with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a baby succumbed from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, youthful appeal quickly declined, as accusations of favoritism and established corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

  • Behind the Gen Z activists who want to pressure Madagascar's president from power
  • Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests
Michelle Morrison
Michelle Morrison

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