🔗 Share this article

Armed forces have threatened to occupy the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his administration says, amid unverified reports that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of countrywide rallies aimed at removing him out of power.

His ineffective endeavors to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been postponed several times - it was first scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army division - called CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while several of its personnel supported protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of military leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the security forces were working together to keep order in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at state TV headquarters trying to resolve the crisis, according to a statement from the presidency.

Speaking on basis of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's biggest rival party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.

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

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

Despite its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over anger with ongoing water and power outages, then intensified to reflect broader discontent with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the government has denied these statistics.

Observers describe police using weapons on demonstrators with real bullets. In a particular situation, a baby passed away from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several protests since it gained independence in 1960, including mass demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, prior to joining politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, youthful appeal soon declined, as claims of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
• Army general designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations