Soldiers threaten to occupy government TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid warnings of power grab

National unrest in Madagascar
Young people initiated nationwide rallies insisting on a fairer deal for the population

Soldiers have threatened to seize the national TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his office reports, amid unverified information that he has left the country.

A foreign military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of national protests designed to ousting him from power.

His unsuccessful efforts to calm young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make additional concessions to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to push him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned statement to the nation has been delayed multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - called CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by announcing itself in control of all the army, while some of its officers aligned with protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of military officers on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the armed services were cooperating to keep stability in the state.

By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV facilities working to address the crisis, according to a communication from the presidency.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's major opposition party told that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They include previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the economic hardship level, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power outages, then escalated to represent broader discontent with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and more than 100 injured in the first few days of the rallies, although the administration has rejected these figures.

Witnesses report law enforcement shooting on civilians with live ammunition. In an instance, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before joining politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm soon diminished, as claims of favoritism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

  • About the Gen Z demonstrators who want to compel Madagascar's president from power
  • Military officer named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests
Deanna Chavez
Deanna Chavez

A seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with over a decade of experience in scaling startups and fostering innovation.