🔗 Share this article

Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the national TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration says, amid unverified reports that he has left the country.

A international military aircraft is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a two weeks of national protests intended to removing him out of power.

His failed attempts to calm young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make other concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was ongoing to force him out of power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while several of its personnel aligned with activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of military leaders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the security forces were working together to preserve stability in the country.

By Monday night, the officer was at national TV facilities trying to resolve the crisis, according to a communication from the presidency.

Communicating on basis of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's major competing party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to nearby Mauritius. They include previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power outages, then escalated to reflect wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and in excess of 100 wounded in the initial days of the protests, although the government has rejected these statistics.

Witnesses detail law enforcement using weapons on civilians with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, youthful appeal rapidly waned, as claims of nepotism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests