🔗 Share this article

Armed forces have declared intention to seize the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his administration reports, amid unofficial reports that he has fled the country.

A French military aircraft is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national rallies aimed at removing him from power.

His unsuccessful endeavors to appease young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make further concessions to unsuccessfully.

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

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

Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by declaring itself in control of all the military, while some of its members supported activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of military leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were collaborating to keep order in the island nation.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at government TV facilities attempting to address the crisis, according to a statement from the administration.

Communicating on understanding of anonymity, a top leader in Madagascar's major opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally said it plans to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to nearby Mauritius. They include former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the economic hardship level, while information shows about one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then escalated to represent wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 hurt in the first few days of the protests, although the administration has disputed these statistics.

Eyewitnesses detail security officers shooting on civilians with live ammunition. In an instance, a baby died from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced attraction soon waned, as allegations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z protesters who aim to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests