Military personnel vow to seize government TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid alerts of government overthrow

Military members have declared intention to occupy the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his administration reports, amid unverified accounts that he has fled the country.

A international military jet is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide demonstrations designed to ousting him out of power.

His ineffective efforts to calm young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make other agreements to no avail.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army force - called CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its officers joined activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were collaborating to preserve order in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the officer was at state TV facilities trying to resolve the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.

Communicating on understanding of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's major competing party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally announced it plans to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They consist of ex- Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows about one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The rallies started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then increased to reflect broader discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and in excess of 100 wounded in the initial days of the rallies, although the authorities has rejected these figures.

Observers detail security officers opening fire on civilians with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm quickly diminished, as claims of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Army officer named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests