Soldiers have threatened to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his office reports, amid unverified information that he has left the country.
A foreign military jet is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national rallies designed to ousting him from power.
His unsuccessful attempts to appease young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make additional concessions to without success.
On Sunday, his office said an effort was in progress to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's scheduled statement to the nation has been postponed numerous times - it was initially due at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a significant army division - called CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by declaring itself in control of all the armed forces, while several of its officers aligned with activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a gathering of defense leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the military were working together to preserve stability in the country.
By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at national TV headquarters attempting to resolve the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency.
Speaking on condition of privacy, a top leader in Madagascar's largest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has additionally stated it intends to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".
Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They include previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.
The rallies commenced over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power cuts, then intensified to represent wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.
At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the protests, although the administration has denied these numbers.
Observers report security officers shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a infant passed away from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.
Madagascar has been rocked by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, including extensive demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.
At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to govern for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.
Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.
But his stylish, young-looking attraction quickly declined, as allegations of nepotism and established corruption became unshakeable.
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