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Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his staff reports, amid unconfirmed reports that he has left the country.

A international military aircraft is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a two weeks of nationwide demonstrations aimed at ousting him out of power.

His failed attempts to placate young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make other concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an effort was ongoing to force him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's arranged 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 division - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by declaring itself in control of all the army, while some of its members joined protesters on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of defense officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were cooperating to preserve order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the general was at state TV facilities attempting to address the crisis, according to a communication from the presidency.

Talking on basis of anonymity, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's major competing party told that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it plans to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the poverty line, while statistics shows about one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The rallies began over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power interruptions, then increased to reflect more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and in excess of 100 wounded in the opening days of the rallies, although the authorities has disputed these numbers.

Witnesses describe law enforcement opening fire on protesters with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn died from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, youthful appeal rapidly waned, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who aim to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Army general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations