Military personnel vow to seize national TV in Madagascar, presidency says, amid warnings of government overthrow

Armed forces have warned to occupy the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office reports, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A French military aircraft is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide rallies intended to removing him from power.

His unsuccessful endeavors to appease young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make other compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an effort was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army division - called CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in command of all the military, while numerous of its officers aligned with activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of military commanders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were working together to maintain peace in the state.

By Monday night, the general was at national TV facilities working to address the emergency, according to a communication from the presidency.

Speaking on condition of confidentiality, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's major opposition party told that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

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

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to nearby Mauritius. They comprise previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich raw materials, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows approximately one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power interruptions, then escalated to demonstrate broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and over 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the government has disputed these statistics.

Witnesses detail security officers opening fire on civilians with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a infant died from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, 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, prior to entering politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm soon declined, as accusations of favoritism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who want to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military officer designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests