Soldiers threaten to occupy government TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid warnings of government overthrow
Armed forces have declared intention to take control of the government TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his office says, amid unofficial reports that he has fled the country.
A French military plane is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a fortnight of national rallies designed to removing him out of power.
His unsuccessful endeavors to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make further concessions to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned speech to the nation has been postponed numerous times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by announcing itself in charge of all the armed forces, while several of its members aligned with demonstrators on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.
After a meeting of military officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were collaborating to preserve peace in the state.
By Monday night, the commander was at government TV building attempting to settle the situation, according to a statement from the administration.
Talking on basis of privacy, a senior leader in Madagascar's biggest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it plans to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".
Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise ex- Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its rich raw materials, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the poverty line, while data shows just over one-third of individuals have access to electricity.
The demonstrations commenced over anger with repeated water and power cuts, then intensified to represent wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.
At least 22 civilians were killed and in excess of 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has rejected these statistics.
Eyewitnesses detail law enforcement opening fire on protesters with real bullets. In a particular situation, a infant died from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.
Madagascar has been shaken by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising large-scale protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to rule for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.
But his sharp-suited, young-looking attraction quickly diminished, as accusations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.
Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:
- Regarding the Gen Z protesters who want to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
- Army general named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests