Armed forces vow to take over government TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid alerts of power grab

Military members have declared intention to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed reports that he has left the country.

A French military plane is said to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national rallies intended to kicking him out of power.

His ineffective efforts to appease young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make other concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was under way to force him out of power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been put off several times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while several of its members supported protesters on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of military commanders on Monday, the new Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the military were collaborating to keep peace in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the general was at government TV facilities attempting to address the situation, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Speaking on basis of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest rival party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

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

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to close Mauritius. They comprise previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the poverty line, while statistics shows approximately one-third of people have access to electricity.

The rallies commenced over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power interruptions, then escalated to demonstrate broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and in excess of 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the government has disputed these statistics.

Observers report law enforcement opening fire on protesters with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then resuming 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 business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm quickly declined, as allegations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z protesters who want to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense commander named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations