🔗 Share this article

Armed forces have warned to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his staff reports, amid unofficial information that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military plane is said to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide protests designed to ousting him out of power.

His failed efforts to placate young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make other concessions to without success.

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

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

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - called CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its officers supported demonstrators on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of defense commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the military were working together to maintain stability in the state.

By Monday night, the commander was at government TV headquarters trying to settle the crisis, according to a statement from the presidential office.

Speaking on understanding of privacy, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's biggest competing party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

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

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to nearby Mauritius. They include previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the poverty line, while information shows just over one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations began over frustration with repeated water and power interruptions, then increased to represent broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and more than 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the government has denied these numbers.

Eyewitnesses describe security officers using weapons on demonstrators with live ammunition. In one case, a baby passed away from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, youthful charm quickly diminished, as allegations of nepotism and established corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Defense general designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests