🔗 Share this article

Armed forces have declared intention to seize the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his staff says, amid unofficial accounts that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military plane is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national protests designed to removing him from power.

His ineffective attempts to placate young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make other compromises to without success.

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

Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been delayed multiple times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - called CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its officers joined demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of army officers on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the military were working together to keep stability in the island nation.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at government TV headquarters trying to resolve the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidential office.

Talking on basis of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's largest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it intends to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to nearby Mauritius. They consist of previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows approximately one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power interruptions, then escalated to represent broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and more than 100 injured in the opening days of the protests, although the administration has denied these statistics.

Observers detail security officers using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In an instance, a baby passed away from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his stylish, young-looking appeal soon declined, as claims of favoritism and established corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z activists who aim to force Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense commander named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations