🔗 Share this article

Soldiers have declared intention to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his office reports, amid unverified accounts that he has departed from the country.

A international military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of countrywide protests intended to removing him out of power.

His failed attempts to placate young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make additional agreements to no avail.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to force him out of power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - called CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the armed forces, while numerous of its members joined demonstrators on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of army officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were collaborating to keep order in the state.

By Monday evening, the general was at government TV facilities trying to resolve the crisis, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a top representative in Madagascar's major competing party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it intends to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".

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

Despite its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and over 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has denied these figures.

Eyewitnesses report security officers using weapons on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In one case, a baby succumbed from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.

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

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to joining politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, youthful attraction soon declined, as accusations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z demonstrators who want to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests