Military personnel threaten to take over national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid concerns of coup attempt

Government turmoil in Madagascar
Protesters spearheaded nationwide rallies insisting on a fairer deal for residents

Military members have warned to occupy the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his administration reports, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of national rallies designed to ousting him from power.

His ineffective endeavors to appease young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make additional concessions to unsuccessfully.

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

Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while numerous of its personnel aligned with activists on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of army commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the military were working together to preserve stability in the country.

By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV building attempting to resolve the situation, according to a communication from the administration.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's major competing party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the economic hardship level, while information shows about one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies started over frustration with frequent water and power outages, then escalated to reflect wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and more than 100 injured in the initial days of the rallies, although the government has denied these statistics.

Observers report police opening fire on protesters with lethal rounds. In an instance, a baby passed away from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to govern for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.

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

But his well-dressed, young-looking charm soon waned, as allegations of cronyism and established corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

  • Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who want to compel Madagascar's president from power
  • Army general appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations
Scott Watson
Scott Watson

A passionate travel writer and local expert, sharing her love for Italian coastal culture and hidden gems.