Armed forces pledge to occupy state TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid alerts of government overthrow

National crisis in Madagascar
Young people led nationwide rallies demanding a better deal for residents

Soldiers have warned to take control of the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified information that he has left the country.

A international military aircraft is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of national protests intended to ousting him out of power.

His ineffective attempts to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make other compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was ongoing to force him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been delayed multiple times - it was first planned at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army division - known as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the armed forces, while several of its personnel supported activists on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of defense officers on Monday, the new Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the security forces were cooperating to keep peace in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at state TV headquarters working to resolve the emergency, according to a communication from the administration.

Speaking on understanding of privacy, a top official in Madagascar's biggest rival party informed that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

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

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of people have access to electricity.

The protests started over anger with ongoing water and power interruptions, then escalated to demonstrate more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has rejected these numbers.

Observers report security officers using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In an instance, a infant passed away from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, comprising mass demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to govern for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced appeal soon diminished, as accusations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

  • Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Defense general designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests
Mark Stephens
Mark Stephens

A passionate artist and curator with a background in fine arts, dedicated to sharing innovative creative insights and fostering artistic communities.