Armed forces pledge to seize state TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of coup attempt

Government crisis in Madagascar
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Soldiers have declared intention to seize the national TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unverified information that he has fled the country.

A French military jet is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a fortnight of national rallies designed to removing him out of power.

His failed endeavors to placate young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make additional agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned speech to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was first due at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army force - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while numerous of its personnel aligned with demonstrators on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the new Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the security forces were cooperating to maintain order in the country.

By Monday evening, the commander was at state TV facilities attempting to address the emergency, according to a announcement from the administration.

Talking on understanding of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's biggest competing party told that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

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

Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the economic hardship level, while data shows about one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power interruptions, then intensified to demonstrate broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the rallies, although the government has denied these figures.

Observers report law enforcement using weapons on protesters with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing mass protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before entering politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced attraction soon declined, as allegations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

  • Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Army commander named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests
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