🔗 Share this article

Soldiers have declared intention to seize the government TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A French military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national rallies designed to removing him out of power.

His unsuccessful endeavors to placate young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make other compromises to unsuccessfully.

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

Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was initially planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in control of all the armed forces, while some of its members supported demonstrators on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of defense leaders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the military were collaborating to preserve order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the commander was at national TV facilities trying to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.

Talking on basis of anonymity, a senior representative in Madagascar's largest competing party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also stated it intends to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to nearby Mauritius. They consist of ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the poverty line, while information shows just over one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over anger with repeated water and power cuts, then escalated to reflect more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and over 100 injured in the opening days of the protests, although the government has disputed these numbers.

Eyewitnesses report law enforcement opening fire on protesters with live ammunition. In one case, a baby succumbed from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by several protests since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising large-scale demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to rule for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before entering politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, young-looking charm quickly declined, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Defense commander appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations