Military personnel threaten to occupy national TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid alerts of government overthrow
Armed forces have threatened to occupy the government TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his office reports, amid unconfirmed reports that he has left the country.
A foreign military jet is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a two weeks of national demonstrations intended to kicking him from power.
His unsuccessful attempts to calm young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make further concessions to unsuccessfully.
On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled statement to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was first planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army force - called CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by proclaiming itself in command of all the military, while numerous of its members joined protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.
Subsequent to a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the security forces were cooperating to maintain stability in the island nation.
By Monday night, the officer was at government TV building attempting to address the crisis, according to a statement from the presidency.
Speaking on condition of privacy, a senior representative in Madagascar's largest competing party told that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally announced it plans to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".
Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Regardless of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.
The rallies commenced over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then increased to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 people were killed and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has disputed these statistics.
Observers describe security officers opening fire on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a infant died from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by numerous protests since it achieved independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.
Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than joining 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 sharp-suited, youthful appeal soon waned, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.
More on Madagascar's crisis:
- Behind the Gen Z protesters who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
- Army commander appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations