Armed forces vow to seize state TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid alerts of power grab

Government unrest in Madagascar
Youth spearheaded nationwide protests calling for a better deal for citizens

Military members have threatened to take control of the state TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office says, amid unverified reports that he has left the country.

A French military plane is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of national demonstrations intended to ousting him from power.

His failed efforts to placate young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make other concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an attempt was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by announcing itself in charge of all the army, while some of its officers joined protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of army commanders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the security forces were cooperating to preserve peace in the island nation.

By Monday night, the commander was at state TV headquarters trying to settle the situation, according to a statement from the administration.

Communicating on basis of privacy, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's major competing party informed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also stated it intends to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to close Mauritius. They comprise former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows just over one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then escalated to reflect more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and more than 100 hurt in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the administration has rejected these numbers.

Witnesses report police opening fire on civilians with real bullets. In a particular situation, a baby died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

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

But his stylish, baby-faced charm soon declined, as allegations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

  • About the Gen Z activists who aim to pressure Madagascar's president from power
  • Military general appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies
Lynn Alvarez
Lynn Alvarez

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in helping businesses adapt to the digital age.