Military personnel vow to take over national TV in Madagascar, presidential office says, amid alerts of coup attempt

Soldiers have declared intention to occupy the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national demonstrations designed to kicking him from power.

His ineffective attempts to calm young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make additional agreements to no avail.

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

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while some of its members supported demonstrators on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of military leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the armed services were collaborating to preserve peace in the country.

By Monday evening, the officer was at national TV headquarters trying to settle the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.

Speaking on basis of privacy, a top official in Madagascar's major rival party told that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also announced it intends to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They comprise previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the economic hardship level, while data shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations began over frustration with frequent water and power cuts, then increased to demonstrate wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and in excess of 100 hurt in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the administration has disputed these numbers.

Observers describe law enforcement using weapons on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In one case, a baby died from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, including large-scale protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his sharp-suited, youthful appeal quickly diminished, as allegations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military commander named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies