🔗 Share this article

Soldiers have warned to occupy the state TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unverified information that he has departed from the country.

A international military jet is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of national demonstrations designed to ousting him out of power.

His failed attempts to calm young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make other agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by proclaiming itself in control of all the armed forces, while some of its officers joined activists on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a conference of army leaders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the security forces were cooperating to maintain peace in the island nation.

By Monday night, the commander was at national TV building working to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Communicating on condition of confidentiality, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They comprise former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the economic hardship level, while data shows about one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations began over frustration with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and more than 100 hurt in the initial days of the rallies, although the government has rejected these figures.

Eyewitnesses report security officers shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In an instance, a baby passed away from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, comprising mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to rule for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking appeal soon diminished, as claims of nepotism and established corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
• Army commander named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests