🔗 Share this article Soldiers threaten to take over national TV in Madagascar, leader's administration reports, amid warnings of coup attempt Protesters led countrywide protests insisting on a fairer deal for residents Military members have warned to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his office confirms, amid unverified information that he has departed from the country. A French military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a two weeks of national rallies intended to ousting him out of power. His unsuccessful endeavors to appease young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make additional concessions to no avail. On Sunday, his staff said an effort was in progress to force him from power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday. Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been postponed multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT). Over the weekend, a significant army unit - known as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by declaring itself in charge of all the armed forces, while several of its personnel supported demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo. Following a gathering of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the armed services were working together to maintain peace in the country. By Monday night, the officer was at national TV headquarters working to settle the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency. Communicating on basis of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT. The TIM party has additionally said it aims to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post". Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to close Mauritius. They include ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga. Regardless of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows just over one-third of people have access to electricity. The rallies commenced over frustration with frequent water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis. At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has disputed these statistics. Eyewitnesses detail police shooting on civilians with real bullets. In an instance, a newborn passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas. Madagascar has been rocked by numerous uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations 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 time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to lead for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election. Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period. But his sharp-suited, baby-faced attraction rapidly waned, as claims of favoritism and entrenched corruption became persistent. Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis: About the Gen Z protesters who seek to force Madagascar's president from power Defense commander named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies