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Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his administration confirms, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.

A foreign military plane is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of national rallies intended to removing him out of power.

His unsuccessful efforts to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make further compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his administration said an effort was under way to pressure him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned speech to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in control of all the armed forces, while several of its members supported activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of military leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the military were cooperating to keep order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the officer was at government TV facilities working to address the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Communicating on understanding of privacy, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's major rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally announced it plans to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

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

The rallies began over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power interruptions, then increased to reflect more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

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

Witnesses report law enforcement shooting on demonstrators with live ammunition. In one case, a newborn succumbed from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his stylish, baby-faced appeal rapidly waned, as accusations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Army general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations