Military personnel threaten to take over government TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of coup attempt

Political crisis in Madagascar
Young people spearheaded national demonstrations insisting on a fairer deal for residents

Armed forces have threatened to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his administration reports, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has fled the country.

A French military plane is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of countrywide protests aimed at kicking him from power.

His ineffective attempts to placate young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make other concessions to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - known as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by declaring itself in control of all the armed forces, while some of its officers joined protesters on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the military were collaborating to maintain stability in the island nation.

By Monday night, the general was at state TV building working to resolve the situation, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a top representative in Madagascar's major competing party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it aims to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

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

Regardless of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows about one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies started over anger with frequent water and power cuts, then increased to demonstrate wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and in excess of 100 injured in the first few days of the rallies, although the authorities has denied these figures.

Observers describe security officers shooting on demonstrators with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a infant succumbed from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple protests since it achieved independence in 1960, including extensive demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, youthful charm rapidly diminished, as allegations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

  • About the Gen Z protesters who want to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Military commander appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests
Carol Mckinney
Carol Mckinney

A passionate writer and tech enthusiast sharing insights on innovation and self-improvement.