Military personnel pledge to take over government TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid warnings of power grab

Political crisis in Madagascar
Young people led nationwide protests calling for a better deal for citizens

Military members have threatened to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unconfirmed information that he has departed from the country.

A French military aircraft is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of countrywide demonstrations intended to ousting him out of power.

His unsuccessful endeavors to placate young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make other agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was in progress to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while some of its officers aligned with protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of army officers on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were cooperating to preserve peace in the state.

By Monday night, the commander was at national TV headquarters working to address the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.

Talking on condition of anonymity, a top representative in Madagascar's biggest rival party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally announced it plans to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows approximately one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The protests commenced over anger with repeated water and power outages, then increased to represent broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the government has denied these figures.

Witnesses describe law enforcement using weapons on demonstrators with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a baby died from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several protests since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising large-scale rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced appeal soon waned, as claims of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

  • Regarding the Gen Z activists who aim to force Madagascar's leader from power
  • Army officer appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations
Aaron Rosales
Aaron Rosales

A seasoned financial analyst with over a decade of experience in gold markets and investment strategies across Southeast Asia.