Soldiers pledge to take over government TV in Madagascar, presidential office reports, amid warnings of power grab

Government unrest in Madagascar
Protesters spearheaded countrywide rallies calling for a fairer deal for citizens

Soldiers have threatened to occupy the state TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration reports, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has fled the country.

A foreign military aircraft is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of nationwide rallies aimed at ousting him out of power.

His failed endeavors to appease young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.

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

Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been postponed multiple times - it was first planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - known as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in control of all the army, while several of its members aligned with activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of military commanders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the military were collaborating to maintain stability in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at government TV headquarters working to address the crisis, according to a communication from the administration.

Talking on basis of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's largest opposition party told that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it aims to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as 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 access to electricity.

The rallies started over frustration with repeated water and power cuts, then intensified to demonstrate broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and over 100 wounded in the initial days of the rallies, although the administration has denied these numbers.

Observers report law enforcement shooting on demonstrators with live ammunition. In one case, a infant succumbed from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple protests since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to lead 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 built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his stylish, youthful charm soon waned, as allegations of favoritism and established corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

  • About the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to force Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Military commander appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies
Chad Simpson
Chad Simpson

A passionate comic enthusiast and digital artist who loves sharing insights on manga culture and storytelling.

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