Military personnel pledge to seize state TV in Madagascar, leader's administration announces, amid warnings of government overthrow

Soldiers have declared intention to seize the government TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his administration reports, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.

A French military jet is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a 14 days of nationwide rallies designed to ousting him from power.

His failed efforts to appease young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make additional concessions to unsuccessfully.

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

Rajoelina's planned statement to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was initially planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by declaring itself in command of all the armed forces, while some of its officers joined protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of defense leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were working together to keep stability in the state.

By Monday evening, the general was at national TV building trying to address the crisis, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Communicating on understanding of privacy, a top representative in Madagascar's biggest opposition party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it plans to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power interruptions, then escalated to represent wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and over 100 hurt in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the government has disputed these figures.

Eyewitnesses detail police shooting on civilians with real bullets. In an instance, a infant succumbed from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to rule for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm rapidly diminished, as accusations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z activists who want to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Defense general appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations