🔗 Share this article

Soldiers have threatened to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his administration says, amid unverified reports that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of countrywide protests intended to removing him from power.

His ineffective efforts to calm young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make further compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was under way to push him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army division - called CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the armed forces, while several of its officers aligned with protesters on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of defense leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the security forces were working together to keep order in the country.

By Monday night, the officer was at government TV headquarters trying to resolve the crisis, according to a statement from the presidency.

Communicating on understanding of privacy, a top leader in Madagascar's biggest opposition party told that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also announced it intends to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the poverty line, while data shows approximately one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over anger with frequent water and power cuts, then escalated to reflect broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and more than 100 injured in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the administration has denied these numbers.

Observers report law enforcement using weapons on demonstrators with real bullets. In an instance, a newborn died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising mass protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to rule for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, youthful attraction quickly diminished, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

More on Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies