Military personnel threaten to seize government TV in Madagascar, presidential office announces, amid warnings of government overthrow

Soldiers have warned to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified information that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military plane is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of national rallies intended to kicking him out of power.

His failed attempts to calm young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make other concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned speech to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was first scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by announcing itself in control of all the armed forces, while numerous of its officers aligned with demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of military officers on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were collaborating to maintain stability in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at government TV facilities trying to settle the emergency, according to a communication from the administration.

Talking on condition of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's largest opposition party told that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it aims to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They comprise ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while information shows about one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power outages, then intensified to demonstrate broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and over 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has disputed these figures.

Observers describe police opening fire on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a infant died from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, including large-scale rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to rule for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, youthful charm soon diminished, as claims of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Military officer designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies