Military personnel vow to occupy national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration reports, amid warnings of government overthrow

National turmoil in Madagascar
Youth initiated national protests demanding a better deal for citizens

Armed forces have threatened to take control of the state TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A foreign military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of national protests aimed at kicking him from power.

His ineffective endeavors to appease young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further concessions to no avail.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was under way to pressure him from power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been postponed several times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by declaring itself in charge of all the armed forces, while some of its officers joined activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of military commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the military were working together to keep order in the state.

By Monday night, the officer was at state TV headquarters attempting to settle the emergency, according to a statement from the presidency.

Talking on understanding of privacy, a senior representative in Madagascar's major competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it plans to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while data shows about one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations started over anger with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to reflect more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the authorities has rejected these figures.

Eyewitnesses report security officers shooting on civilians with live ammunition. In one case, a newborn died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, including mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to govern for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

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

But his stylish, baby-faced appeal rapidly diminished, as accusations of favoritism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

  • Behind the Gen Z activists who aim to force Madagascar's head of state from power
  • Military commander appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations
Angel Fernandez
Angel Fernandez

Award-winning journalist with a decade of experience covering UK affairs and global events.