Armed forces pledge to seize state TV in Madagascar, leader's administration reports, amid concerns of government overthrow

Political turmoil in Madagascar
Young people initiated nationwide rallies demanding a fairer deal for the population

Military members have threatened to occupy the state TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A French military jet is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a 14 days of countrywide protests designed to ousting him out of power.

His failed endeavors to appease young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make further agreements to no avail.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was under way to force him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army division - known as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in charge of all the military, while numerous of its members aligned with demonstrators on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of defense leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the security forces were cooperating to keep order in the state.

By Monday night, the officer was at national TV building working to address the crisis, according to a statement from the presidential office.

Communicating on understanding of privacy, a senior official in Madagascar's largest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

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

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

Regardless of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The protests started over anger with ongoing water and power cuts, then increased to reflect wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and in excess of 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has denied these numbers.

Witnesses report law enforcement opening fire on demonstrators with real bullets. In one case, a infant succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple protests since it gained independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down 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 resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

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

But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm soon diminished, as accusations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

  • Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to force Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Defense commander named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations
Virginia Brewer
Virginia Brewer

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society, with a background in software development.