🔗 Share this article Armed forces pledge to occupy national TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of government overthrow Protesters led nationwide rallies insisting on a better deal for residents Military members have warned to seize the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his office confirms, amid unofficial information that he has left the country. A foreign military jet is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of national rallies aimed at removing him out of power. His ineffective endeavors to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make other compromises to without success. On Sunday, his staff said an effort was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday. Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been postponed several times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT). Over the weekend, a influential army division - called CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by declaring itself in charge of all the army, while some of its members aligned with demonstrators on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo. After a meeting of army commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the armed services were collaborating to keep stability in the island nation. By Monday night, the general was at government TV headquarters attempting to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidency. Communicating on understanding of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's biggest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT. The TIM party has also announced it plans to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of office". Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga. Despite its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the poverty line, while data shows about one-third of residents have availability to electricity. The protests commenced over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power outages, then intensified to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis. At least 22 people were fatally injured and more than 100 injured in the opening days of the protests, although the government has disputed these figures. Eyewitnesses describe law enforcement shooting on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a baby died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas. Madagascar has been shaken by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising mass protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office. Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election. Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period. But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm rapidly waned, as accusations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing. Further details regarding Madagascar's situation: About the Gen Z activists who aim to compel Madagascar's head of state from power Defense commander designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations