🔗 Share this article

Armed forces have warned to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his staff reports, amid unofficial reports that he has departed from the country.

A French military aircraft is said to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national protests intended to ousting him out of power.

His unsuccessful endeavors to calm young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make other agreements to without success.

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

Rajoelina's planned speech to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was first due at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - known as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by announcing itself in charge of all the military, while numerous of its personnel joined demonstrators on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of defense officers on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were working together to preserve stability in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at state TV headquarters attempting to resolve the crisis, according to a announcement from the presidential office.

Communicating on basis of anonymity, a top leader in Madagascar's major competing party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it intends to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the economic hardship level, while data shows about one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The rallies began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to represent wider discontent with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and over 100 injured in the first few days of the protests, although the government has disputed these statistics.

Eyewitnesses detail security officers opening fire on protesters with real bullets. In an instance, a baby succumbed from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several protests since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm quickly declined, as claims of nepotism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z activists who aim to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Army officer named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies