Soldiers pledge to occupy government TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid concerns of coup attempt
Armed forces have warned to occupy the government TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his administration reports, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.
A foreign military jet is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national protests designed to removing him from power.
His unsuccessful efforts to appease young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make other concessions to no avail.
On Sunday, his office said an effort was under way to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned statement to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in charge of all the armed forces, while several of its officers aligned with demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
After a conference of military officers on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the security forces were working together to preserve peace in the state.
By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV building working to settle the crisis, according to a statement from the administration.
Talking on condition of privacy, a senior official in Madagascar's biggest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has furthermore said it intends to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".
Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They consist of ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
In spite of its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the poverty line, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have availability to electricity.
The protests commenced over anger with frequent water and power interruptions, then increased to demonstrate broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 people were fatally injured and over 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has rejected these figures.
Witnesses report police using weapons on demonstrators with real bullets. In a particular situation, a baby passed away from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by multiple protests since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to entering politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his stylish, young-looking appeal rapidly diminished, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.
Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:
- About the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
- Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies