Soldiers vow to seize government TV in Madagascar, presidential office reports, amid concerns of coup attempt

Government unrest in Madagascar
Youth led nationwide rallies calling for a more equitable deal for the population

Military members have threatened to occupy the government TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his office says, amid unverified information that he has fled the country.

A foreign military plane is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national demonstrations intended to ousting him out of power.

His failed efforts to calm young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further agreements to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an effort was ongoing to force him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army force - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by declaring itself in command of all the armed forces, while some of its officers joined protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were working together to preserve order in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at state TV facilities working to resolve the situation, according to a statement from the administration.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a senior representative in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it aims to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows approximately one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies commenced over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to demonstrate broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and more than 100 wounded in the opening days of the rallies, although the administration has denied these numbers.

Observers report law enforcement shooting on demonstrators with real bullets. In an instance, a baby succumbed from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, including large-scale protests in 2009 that pressured 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 - going on to lead for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking attraction rapidly declined, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

  • About the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Defense officer named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests
Chelsea Hamilton
Chelsea Hamilton

A passionate writer and Dutch culture enthusiast, sharing her love for all things Holland through engaging content.