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

Political turmoil in Madagascar
Young people led nationwide protests demanding a fairer deal for residents

Soldiers have warned to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.

A foreign military jet is said to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a 14 days of nationwide demonstrations designed to ousting him out of power.

His unsuccessful endeavors to calm young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make other concessions to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by declaring itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its officers supported demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of military officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were collaborating to preserve order in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at government TV headquarters attempting to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.

Speaking on basis of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's major rival party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally announced it plans to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to close Mauritius. They consist of former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the economic hardship level, while data shows approximately one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power outages, then intensified to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the rallies, although the government has disputed these numbers.

Observers detail law enforcement shooting on demonstrators with real bullets. In an instance, a infant succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing extensive protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to govern for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm rapidly waned, as accusations of cronyism and established corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

  • Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
  • Army commander designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests
Scott Baldwin
Scott Baldwin

An avid mountaineer and outdoor enthusiast with over a decade of experience in adventure travel and gear testing.