Armed forces vow to seize government TV in Madagascar, presidency says, amid warnings of power grab

Soldiers have threatened to take control of the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his office reports, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.

A French military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of national rallies aimed at ousting him from power.

His failed endeavors to appease young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his administration said an effort was in progress to pressure him from power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned statement to the nation has been put off several times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by declaring itself in control of all the armed forces, while some of its personnel joined protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

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

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at government TV building trying to resolve the crisis, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Talking on condition of privacy, a senior leader in Madagascar's largest competing party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it intends to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to nearby Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power cuts, then increased to represent wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and in excess of 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the government has rejected these statistics.

Eyewitnesses report police shooting on civilians with real bullets. In one case, a newborn passed away from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising mass demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

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

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before 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 stylish, youthful attraction rapidly declined, as accusations of nepotism and established corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z protesters who aim to force Madagascar's president from power
• Army commander named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations