Armed forces pledge to occupy national TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of government overthrow

Soldiers have declared intention to occupy the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unverified information that he has fled the country.

A international military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of nationwide rallies aimed at ousting him from power.

His ineffective efforts to appease young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further concessions to unsuccessfully.

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

Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been postponed numerous times - it was first planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - called CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by declaring itself in control of all the armed forces, while several of its officers aligned with activists on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of army commanders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the military were collaborating to keep peace in the island nation.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at government TV facilities attempting to settle the crisis, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows approximately one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The protests started over frustration with ongoing water and power cuts, then increased to represent wider discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and in excess of 100 hurt in the initial days of the rallies, although the administration has disputed these figures.

Eyewitnesses describe law enforcement using weapons on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn passed away from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, including extensive rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than 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, young-looking appeal soon diminished, as claims of nepotism and established corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

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