Armed forces vow to occupy state TV in Madagascar, presidency reports, amid alerts of government overthrow

Armed forces have threatened to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his office reports, amid unverified accounts that he has fled the country.

A French military aircraft is said to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of nationwide demonstrations intended to ousting him out of power.

His unsuccessful attempts to calm young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make additional compromises to no avail.

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

Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was first scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the army, while several of its officers joined activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of military leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the military were working together to preserve peace in the state.

By Monday night, the commander was at state TV building trying to settle the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.

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

The TIM party has also announced it plans to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

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

Despite its rich raw materials, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The rallies began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then intensified to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and in excess of 100 injured in the first few days of the rallies, although the government has denied these figures.

Observers report law enforcement opening fire on civilians with live ammunition. In one case, a baby succumbed from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to rule for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking attraction quickly declined, as allegations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• Regarding the Gen Z protesters who seek to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense general appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations