Armed forces vow to take over government TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of power grab

Armed forces have declared intention to take control of the state TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his staff reports, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.

A international military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of nationwide demonstrations designed to removing him out of power.

His unsuccessful attempts to calm young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make additional compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was in progress to pressure him out of power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while numerous of its personnel supported demonstrators on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of military officers on Monday, the current Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the armed services were cooperating to maintain stability in the island nation.

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

Talking on basis of confidentiality, a senior representative in Madagascar's major opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it plans to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows approximately one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations started over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then escalated to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and over 100 hurt in the first few days of the protests, although the government has disputed these figures.

Eyewitnesses report police opening fire on protesters with lethal rounds. In an instance, a infant succumbed from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising extensive protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

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

But his sharp-suited, young-looking attraction rapidly diminished, as claims of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Defense general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations