Soldiers threaten to seize government TV in Madagascar, presidency announces, amid alerts of government overthrow

Soldiers have warned to take control of the government TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office reports, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.

A foreign military aircraft is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of nationwide demonstrations designed to kicking him out of power.

His ineffective efforts to calm young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make other agreements to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was in progress to force him from power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the army, while several of its personnel joined demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of army officers on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the military were cooperating to keep order in the state.

By Monday evening, the officer was at national TV headquarters attempting to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Talking on basis of confidentiality, a senior leader in Madagascar's largest competing party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also stated it plans to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to close Mauritius. They include ex- Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies began over frustration with ongoing water and power cuts, then escalated to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and more than 100 hurt in the initial days of the rallies, although the administration has denied these numbers.

Witnesses describe law enforcement shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a infant succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to govern for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.

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

But his stylish, baby-faced attraction soon declined, as accusations of favoritism and established corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Defense general appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations