🔗 Share this article

Soldiers have warned to take control of the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office reports, amid unconfirmed information that he has departed from the country.

A international military aircraft is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of national rallies intended to ousting him from power.

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

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was in progress to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been delayed several times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - known as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by declaring itself in charge of all the army, while some of its officers joined protesters on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a conference of army officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the security forces were cooperating to keep peace in the state.

By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV facilities working to address the emergency, according to a communication from the administration.

Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's major competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it plans to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".

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

Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the poverty line, while statistics shows approximately one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The rallies began over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power cuts, then intensified to represent more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the first few days of the protests, although the authorities has rejected these statistics.

Observers describe law enforcement shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a infant succumbed from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous protests since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, baby-faced charm soon diminished, as claims of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's situation:

• About the Gen Z protesters who seek to force Madagascar's president from power
• Army commander appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations