🔗 Share this article

Armed forces have warned to occupy the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office confirms, amid unofficial accounts that he has fled the country.

A international military plane is said to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of national demonstrations intended to ousting him out of power.

His failed attempts to appease young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make additional compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was initially planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while some of its officers supported protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a gathering of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the security forces were cooperating to preserve stability in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the general was at state TV headquarters working to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Talking on basis of privacy, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's major opposition party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it intends to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to close Mauritius. They include ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows approximately one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The protests started over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and more than 100 hurt in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the government has rejected these numbers.

Observers detail law enforcement opening fire on demonstrators with real bullets. In an instance, a newborn succumbed from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

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

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before joining politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm quickly waned, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense officer appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies