🔗 Share this article Military personnel vow to take over national TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid alerts of government overthrow Young people spearheaded nationwide demonstrations calling for a better deal for residents Armed forces have warned to seize the state TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified reports that he has departed from the country. A foreign military plane is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of national rallies designed to ousting him from power. His failed efforts to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make further compromises to no avail. On Sunday, his staff said an effort was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday. Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT). Over the weekend, a significant army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by announcing itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its personnel joined demonstrators on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo. Following a meeting of army commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the security forces were collaborating to preserve order in the state. By Monday evening, the general was at state TV building working to settle the situation, according to a communication from the presidential office. Talking on condition of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's major competing party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT. The TIM party has also said it intends to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of post". Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga. Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the poverty line, while information shows just over one-third of residents have access to electricity. The rallies started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then increased to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis. At least 22 people were lost their lives and over 100 injured in the first few days of the rallies, although the administration has rejected these statistics. Observers detail police shooting on protesters with live ammunition. In an instance, a infant died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas. Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, including mass demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office. Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election. Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process. But his stylish, youthful charm rapidly declined, as allegations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable. Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency: About the Gen Z demonstrators who want to pressure Madagascar's president from power Army commander named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies