Soldiers pledge to take over state TV in Madagascar, presidential office says, amid warnings of power grab

Military members have threatened to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has left the country.

A foreign military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a two weeks of national rallies intended to ousting him from power.

His failed endeavors to calm young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make additional compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while several of its members aligned with protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of defense commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were cooperating to keep order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the general was at state TV headquarters trying to resolve the crisis, according to a statement from the presidency.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also stated it intends to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of people have access to electricity.

The rallies started over frustration with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in the initial days of the protests, although the authorities has rejected these figures.

Eyewitnesses report police shooting on civilians with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

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

But his stylish, youthful appeal rapidly declined, as accusations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Army officer named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests