🔗 Share this article Military personnel pledge to occupy government TV in Madagascar, presidential office says, amid concerns of government overthrow Youth led countrywide protests insisting on a more equitable deal for citizens Armed forces have threatened to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his staff reports, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has left the country. A French military plane is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national demonstrations aimed at ousting him out of power. His unsuccessful efforts to calm young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make additional agreements to no avail. On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was under way to force him out of power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday. Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been postponed several times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT). Over the weekend, a influential army division - called CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by announcing itself in control of all the military, while some of its officers supported protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo. Subsequent to a meeting of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the armed services were cooperating to maintain peace in the country. By Monday evening, the commander was at national TV facilities working to settle the emergency, according to a announcement from the administration. Talking on basis of privacy, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's largest opposition party told that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT. The TIM party has additionally stated it aims to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of position". Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga. In spite of its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the poverty line, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have access to electricity. The protests began over anger with ongoing water and power cuts, then escalated to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis. At least 22 individuals were killed and in excess of 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the administration has denied these statistics. Observers report police shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas. Madagascar has been shaken by several protests since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising extensive protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office. Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to govern for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election. Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process. But his stylish, baby-faced charm rapidly waned, as accusations of favoritism and entrenched corruption became ongoing. Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis: Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to compel Madagascar's leader from power Defense commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests