🔗 Share this article Soldiers pledge to take over national TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of government overthrow Youth initiated nationwide demonstrations insisting on a fairer deal for the population Soldiers have declared intention to occupy the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his administration says, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has fled the country. A international military plane is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests aimed at ousting him out of power. His unsuccessful efforts to appease young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make additional concessions to no avail. On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was in progress to pressure him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday. Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was first due at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT). Over the weekend, a influential army force - known as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while some of its personnel aligned with demonstrators on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo. Subsequent to a conference of army commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the security forces were cooperating to preserve stability in the island nation. By Monday evening, the officer was at national TV building attempting to address the crisis, according to a communication from the presidency. Communicating on basis of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's largest rival party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT. The TIM party has also stated it aims to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of post". Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga. Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the economic hardship level, while data shows approximately one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity. The rallies started over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power interruptions, then intensified to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis. At least 22 people were fatally injured and more than 100 injured in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the administration has denied these figures. Witnesses describe law enforcement using weapons on civilians with real bullets. In an instance, a infant died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas. Madagascar has been shaken by multiple protests since it achieved independence in 1960, including mass rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office. Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to lead for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election. Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period. But his stylish, young-looking appeal soon waned, as accusations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent. Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency: About the Gen Z activists who seek to compel Madagascar's president from power Defense officer appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests