Soldiers vow to seize national TV in Madagascar, presidential office reports, amid concerns of government overthrow

Government unrest in Madagascar
Protesters led nationwide protests demanding a fairer deal for residents

Military members have warned to occupy the state TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed reports that he has departed from the country.

A international military aircraft is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national rallies aimed at ousting him out of power.

His unsuccessful attempts to appease young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make additional concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an attempt was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was initially planned at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by announcing itself in control of all the military, while some of its members joined protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a gathering of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the security forces were working together to maintain order in the country.

By Monday evening, the officer was at national TV headquarters attempting to settle the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Talking on condition of privacy, a top leader in Madagascar's major competing party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it intends to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations began over anger with ongoing water and power interruptions, then escalated to reflect broader discontent with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the protests, although the authorities has rejected these statistics.

Witnesses report security officers opening fire on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a infant died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several protests since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than pursuing 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, young-looking attraction quickly diminished, as accusations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

  • About the Gen Z demonstrators who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
  • Army general appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies
Heather Reid
Heather Reid

Award-winning journalist with a focus on Central European affairs and investigative reporting.