Military personnel vow to occupy national TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid warnings of power grab

Political crisis in Madagascar
Young people initiated national protests demanding a more equitable deal for residents

Armed forces have threatened to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his staff reports, amid unofficial reports that he has departed from the country.

A international military plane is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of countrywide rallies intended to removing him out of power.

His ineffective efforts to appease young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make additional compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his administration said an attempt was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been delayed multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by announcing itself in control of all the military, while some of its personnel aligned with demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of army officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were collaborating to maintain stability in the state.

By Monday evening, the commander was at state TV facilities trying to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.

Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's largest competing party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally said it aims to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich natural resources, 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 residents have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations began over anger with repeated water and power cuts, then increased to demonstrate more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and in excess of 100 injured in the opening days of the protests, although the administration has rejected these statistics.

Eyewitnesses report law enforcement shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a baby passed away from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before 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 well-dressed, young-looking appeal soon declined, as claims of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

  • About the Gen Z protesters who seek to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
  • Army commander named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations
Natasha Hunt
Natasha Hunt

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