🔗 Share this article

Soldiers have threatened to occupy the government TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed reports that he has departed from the country.

A French military jet is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of countrywide protests aimed at kicking him from power.

His ineffective efforts to appease young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make additional concessions to without success.

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

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - called CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by declaring itself in command of all the army, while several of its members supported protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of military officers on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the military were working together to preserve peace in the country.

By Monday night, the general was at state TV headquarters trying to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.

Talking on understanding of anonymity, a top official in Madagascar's biggest competing party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it aims to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the poverty line, while statistics shows approximately one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

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

At least 22 individuals were killed and more than 100 wounded in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the government has disputed these numbers.

Observers report security officers using weapons on demonstrators with real bullets. In a particular situation, a infant passed away from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing extensive rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought 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 a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, prior to entering politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm rapidly waned, as accusations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who aim to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military general appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests