Military personnel threaten to seize government TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid concerns of government overthrow

Political turmoil in Madagascar
Protesters spearheaded nationwide protests demanding a better deal for residents

Armed forces have warned to occupy the state TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his administration says, amid unverified reports that he has left the country.

A international military plane is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a 14 days of nationwide rallies designed to ousting him from power.

His ineffective attempts to calm young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make additional compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his administration said an attempt was ongoing to force him from power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged statement 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 - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by declaring itself in control of all the armed forces, while numerous of its officers aligned with protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of defense leaders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were working together to keep peace in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the officer was at national TV facilities attempting to address the crisis, according to a statement from the presidential office.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's major rival party told that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it plans to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over anger with repeated water and power cuts, then escalated to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and over 100 wounded in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has disputed these numbers.

Observers report police shooting on protesters with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a newborn died from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, youthful appeal rapidly waned, as allegations of nepotism and established 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
  • Military general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations
Nicole Morris
Nicole Morris

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