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Military members have declared intention to occupy the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified reports that he has left the country.

A French military aircraft is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a two weeks of national demonstrations designed to kicking him from power.

His unsuccessful attempts to calm young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make further compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while several of its personnel joined activists on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the new Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the military were cooperating to preserve peace in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the general was at state TV facilities trying to address the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Communicating on condition of anonymity, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it plans to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the poverty line, while data shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The rallies commenced over frustration with repeated water and power outages, then escalated to reflect more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and more than 100 wounded in the initial days of the protests, although the government has denied these figures.

Eyewitnesses describe security officers using weapons on demonstrators with live ammunition. In one case, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, comprising extensive protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, youthful appeal rapidly waned, as claims of cronyism and established corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military officer appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations