🔗 Share this article Armed forces pledge to occupy state TV in Madagascar, presidential office says, amid alerts of power grab Young people initiated nationwide demonstrations demanding a better deal for citizens Military members have warned to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office confirms, amid unofficial accounts that he has fled the country. A foreign military plane is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a two weeks of countrywide demonstrations aimed at kicking him from power. His ineffective attempts to calm young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make additional compromises to without success. On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday. Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was first scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT). Over the weekend, a powerful army force - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by proclaiming itself in control of all the army, while several of its members supported activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo. Subsequent to a meeting of defense commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the security forces were collaborating to keep stability in the country. By Monday night, the commander was at national TV headquarters trying to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration. Talking on condition of confidentiality, a senior leader in Madagascar's biggest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT. The TIM party has also stated it intends to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of office". Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of ex- Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga. In spite of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the economic hardship level, while data shows just over one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity. The protests commenced over frustration with repeated water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent broader unhappiness 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 opening days of the protests, although the authorities has disputed these numbers. Witnesses report security officers using weapons on civilians with lethal rounds. In an instance, a newborn died from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas. Madagascar has been rocked by multiple protests since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office. At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to govern for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election. Rajoelina was born into wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process. But his sharp-suited, young-looking attraction quickly diminished, as claims of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent. More on Madagascar's emergency: Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to pressure Madagascar's leader from power Military general appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests