🔗 Share this article

Armed forces have threatened to seize the government TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unverified reports that he has left the country.

A foreign military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide protests intended to kicking him out of power.

His unsuccessful efforts to appease young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make additional agreements to no avail.

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

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - known as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by announcing itself in command of all the army, while several of its officers aligned with activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of military commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the armed services were collaborating to preserve peace in the country.

By Monday night, the officer was at national TV headquarters attempting to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Talking on basis of confidentiality, a top representative in Madagascar's major rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

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

Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have access to electricity.

The rallies began over anger with frequent water and power interruptions, then increased to demonstrate broader discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has disputed these numbers.

Eyewitnesses report police using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In an instance, a infant passed away from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.

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

At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to lead for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his stylish, baby-faced appeal soon declined, as accusations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to force Madagascar's leader from power
• Military commander appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies