🔗 Share this article

Armed forces have threatened to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his administration says, amid unofficial accounts that he has left the country.

A French military aircraft is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of countrywide protests aimed at removing him from power.

His unsuccessful efforts to calm young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make further agreements to no avail.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by declaring itself in command of all the military, while several of its members supported activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of defense officers on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the security forces were working together to maintain order in the country.

By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV headquarters attempting to settle the emergency, according to a communication from the administration.

Speaking on understanding of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally said it intends to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows about one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies began over anger with frequent water and power outages, then increased to represent more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and in excess of 100 wounded in the opening days of the rallies, although the government has denied these figures.

Witnesses detail law enforcement shooting on civilians with live ammunition. In an instance, a baby succumbed from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, including large-scale protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to govern for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to joining 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 well-dressed, youthful attraction soon declined, as accusations of nepotism and established corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z protesters who aim to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
• Defense officer appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations