Military personnel vow to occupy state TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid concerns of power grab

National unrest in Madagascar
Protesters initiated nationwide rallies calling for a better deal for citizens

Military members have threatened to seize the national TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.

A international military aircraft is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide rallies aimed at ousting him from power.

His ineffective endeavors to placate young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further concessions to no avail.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was under way to force him out of power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been put off several times - it was first scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - known as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by proclaiming itself in control of all the army, while several of its personnel supported demonstrators on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of military leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were collaborating to maintain order in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at government TV headquarters working to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.

Talking on basis of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's major rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally announced it intends to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows approximately one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over frustration with ongoing water and power outages, then intensified to represent more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and in excess of 100 injured in the opening days of the rallies, although the government has denied these statistics.

Witnesses describe police using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In an instance, a baby succumbed from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by numerous protests since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, young-looking charm quickly waned, as accusations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

  • Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
  • Military general named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations
Richard Nelson
Richard Nelson

A seasoned journalist and analyst specializing in international relations and global policy, with over a decade of experience.