Armed forces pledge to occupy state TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid warnings of power grab

Armed forces have warned to take control of the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his administration confirms, amid unofficial reports that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of countrywide demonstrations designed to kicking him out of power.

His ineffective attempts to calm young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make additional concessions to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his administration said an effort was ongoing to force him out of power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - known as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by declaring itself in control of all the army, while some of its members joined activists on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a conference of defense leaders on Monday, the new Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the military were cooperating to preserve stability in the state.

By Monday night, the general was at national TV headquarters attempting to settle the emergency, according to a announcement from the administration.

Communicating on understanding of anonymity, a top official in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it plans to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows about one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power outages, then escalated to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and more than 100 hurt in the opening days of the protests, although the authorities has denied these figures.

Eyewitnesses detail police opening fire on protesters with real bullets. In an instance, a baby passed away from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, including mass demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to lead for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, youthful appeal quickly diminished, as accusations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z activists who seek to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Military general designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations