🔗 Share this article

Military members have warned to seize the national TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his administration says, amid unverified reports that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military jet is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of national rallies aimed at ousting him from power.

His ineffective attempts to calm young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make additional concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was ongoing to force him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while several of its officers joined activists on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of defense officers on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the security forces were collaborating to preserve peace in the country.

By Monday evening, the general was at government TV headquarters trying to settle the emergency, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Speaking on basis of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's largest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also stated it plans to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to close Mauritius. They comprise previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows about one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies commenced over frustration with repeated water and power cuts, then increased to represent more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and over 100 hurt in the initial days of the protests, although the administration has rejected these statistics.

Eyewitnesses report law enforcement shooting on protesters with live ammunition. In an instance, a newborn died from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, including extensive demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

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

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced attraction rapidly waned, as accusations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z activists who aim to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
• Defense officer named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests