🔗 Share this article

Military members have threatened to occupy the government TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his office says, amid unverified information that he has left the country.

A international military aircraft is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a 14 days of countrywide rallies intended to ousting him out of power.

His unsuccessful efforts to placate young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was under way to push him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been postponed multiple times - it was initially due at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by declaring itself in control of all the armed forces, while some of its officers joined activists on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of military leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were collaborating to keep order in the state.

By Monday night, the commander was at government TV building attempting to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Speaking on condition of confidentiality, a senior representative in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it aims to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows about one-third of people have access to electricity.

The rallies began over frustration with repeated water and power interruptions, then escalated to represent broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and in excess of 100 injured in the opening days of the rallies, although the government has disputed these figures.

Observers describe security officers using weapons on protesters with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a infant died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple protests since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

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

But his sharp-suited, young-looking attraction quickly diminished, as claims of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z demonstrators who want to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Defense officer appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations