🔗 Share this article

Soldiers have declared intention to seize the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office reports, amid unofficial accounts that he has left the country.

A French military jet is said to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of nationwide rallies intended to kicking him out of power.

His unsuccessful endeavors to placate young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make further concessions to no avail.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army division - known as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by proclaiming itself in control of all the armed forces, while some of its personnel joined activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of defense commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the military were collaborating to maintain peace in the state.

By Monday night, the general was at national TV facilities attempting to address the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Communicating on condition of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's major opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it aims to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to nearby Mauritius. They comprise previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the poverty line, while data shows about one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The rallies began over anger with ongoing water and power outages, then intensified to represent more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and in excess of 100 hurt in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the government has rejected these numbers.

Eyewitnesses report law enforcement opening fire on civilians with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing mass protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

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

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Regarding the Gen Z activists who want to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests