Armed forces vow to occupy government TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid concerns of power grab

Soldiers have declared intention to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed information that he has left the country.

A foreign military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a two weeks of nationwide rallies intended to removing him from power.

His ineffective attempts to placate young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make further compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his office said an attempt was under way to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while numerous of its personnel supported activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of military officers on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the security forces were collaborating to keep stability in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at state TV headquarters attempting to settle the emergency, according to a communication from the administration.

Speaking on basis of anonymity, a senior representative in Madagascar's major rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it aims to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They include former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich mineral wealth, 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 residents have availability to electricity.

The rallies began over anger with frequent water and power cuts, then intensified to reflect broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and in excess of 100 wounded in the first few days of the protests, although the government has denied these numbers.

Observers report law enforcement opening fire on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a newborn died from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to rule for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to joining politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, youthful attraction rapidly declined, as accusations of nepotism and established corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who want to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations