Military personnel pledge to take over government TV in Madagascar, leader's administration says, amid alerts of power grab

Armed forces have warned to occupy the national TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unofficial accounts that he has fled the country.

A French military aircraft is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national rallies intended to kicking him out of power.

His failed endeavors to appease young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make further agreements to no avail.

On Sunday, his administration said an attempt was under way to force him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was originally due at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army force - known as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the army, while numerous of its officers aligned with protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of military commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were cooperating to maintain peace in the state.

By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV facilities working to address the crisis, according to a communication from the presidency.

Speaking on condition of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest opposition party told that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it aims to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to close Mauritius. They include ex- Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the poverty line, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The protests started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then increased to demonstrate broader discontent with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has rejected these statistics.

Witnesses report security officers shooting on demonstrators with real bullets. In one case, a infant died from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to govern for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before joining politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his stylish, youthful charm soon waned, as claims of nepotism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military general appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies