Armed forces vow to take over government TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of coup attempt

Armed forces have warned to occupy the state TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his office confirms, amid unofficial reports that he has departed from the country.

A French military jet is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests intended to ousting him out of power.

His failed attempts to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make further agreements to no avail.

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

Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been postponed several times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while some of its personnel aligned with protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were cooperating to preserve order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the commander was at national TV facilities trying to resolve the situation, according to a announcement from the presidential office.

Communicating on basis of confidentiality, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it intends to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to close Mauritius. They comprise former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the poverty line, while information shows about one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The rallies commenced over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then intensified to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and over 100 wounded in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has denied these statistics.

Witnesses describe law enforcement shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In an instance, a baby passed away from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to lead for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking attraction rapidly waned, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military commander named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies