🔗 Share this article

Soldiers have warned to take control of the state TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unofficial reports that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide demonstrations aimed at ousting him from power.

His unsuccessful efforts to calm young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make further agreements to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to push him from power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been delayed several times - it was first scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the armed forces, while numerous of its officers supported activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the military were collaborating to maintain peace in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at national TV building attempting to settle the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.

Communicating on basis of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's major opposition party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it plans to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the economic hardship level, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The rallies commenced over anger with frequent water and power interruptions, then escalated to demonstrate wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and more than 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has disputed these statistics.

Eyewitnesses report law enforcement using weapons on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In an instance, a baby passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by several protests since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

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

More on Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests