🔗 Share this article

Military members have warned to take control of the state TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A international military plane is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide demonstrations intended to ousting him from power.

His failed attempts to appease young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make additional agreements to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was under way to force him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by declaring itself in charge of all the army, while several of its personnel supported protesters on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of army officers on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were collaborating to preserve peace in the country.

By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV facilities attempting to settle the emergency, according to a announcement from the administration.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a top official in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it intends to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to close Mauritius. They include former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The protests started over anger with ongoing water and power outages, then escalated to represent wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and in excess of 100 hurt in the opening days of the rallies, although the authorities has rejected these numbers.

Eyewitnesses report police using weapons on civilians with lethal rounds. In one case, a infant died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by numerous rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to lead for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, youthful attraction rapidly declined, as accusations of favoritism and established corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who want to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Defense general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations