Antananarivo: Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina's anticipated live national address was delayed after a group of soldiers threatened to seize the state broadcaster's headquarters, prompting intervention from the army chief, the presidency announced.

According to Anadolu Agency, General Demosthene Pikulas, the Malagasy army chief of staff, went to the site to "mediate, organize, and take responsibility," as stated in a presidential statement. Initially scheduled for 7 pm local time, President Rajoelina's speech was postponed twice, first to 8.30 pm and then to 9.30 pm, as negotiations with the soldiers continued.

The delay in the president's address coincides with ongoing youth-led protests that erupted on September 25. The demonstrations are fueled by severe shortages of water and electricity, poverty, allegations of corruption, and calls for President Rajoelina's resignation.

Earlier reports from French radio RFI suggested that a French military helicopter transported Rajoelina to France, following an agreement between the Malagasy president and French President Emmanuel Macron. The political unrest in Madagascar has also triggered government reshuffles, including the dissolution of the Cabinet and the appointment of a new prime minister.

In the midst of the turmoil, Rajoelina's allies, such as former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, traveled to Mauritius on Saturday. The same day, troops from the Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), a unit pivotal to Rajoelina's rise to power via a 2009 coup, expressed their support for the protests.

On Sunday, CAPSAT installed a new military chief, just hours after Rajoelina condemned their support for the protests as an "attempt to seize power illegally." In response to the escalating situation, the French Embassy in Madagascar stated that France has no military intervention underway or planned in the country amidst the ongoing anti-government demonstrations.