Military personnel vow to seize state TV in Madagascar, presidential office reports, amid warnings of power grab

Government unrest in Madagascar
Young people spearheaded nationwide protests demanding a more equitable deal for residents

Military members have declared intention to occupy the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his staff reports, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A international military aircraft is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests designed to kicking him out of power.

His failed endeavors to appease young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make further compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his office said an attempt was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the military, while some of its officers supported demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the military were working together to keep order in the country.

By Monday night, the general was at national TV headquarters trying to resolve the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.

Speaking on understanding of confidentiality, a top representative in Madagascar's biggest opposition party told that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it plans to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to nearby Mauritius. They include previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The rallies started over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power interruptions, then escalated to represent wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and more than 100 hurt in the first few days of the protests, although the administration has disputed these numbers.

Witnesses detail police shooting on civilians with real bullets. In a particular situation, a infant died from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to govern for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm rapidly diminished, as claims of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

  • About the Gen Z activists who want to compel Madagascar's president from power
  • Army commander appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies
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