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Armed forces have declared intention to take control of the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unofficial accounts that he has left the country.

A French military aircraft is said to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of countrywide demonstrations designed to ousting him from power.

His failed attempts to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make further compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was in progress to pressure him out of power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been put off several times - it was first scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the army, while numerous of its officers aligned with demonstrators on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a gathering of army officers on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the security forces were cooperating to keep stability in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at national TV building working to address the situation, according to a communication from the administration.

Talking on basis of anonymity, a top representative in Madagascar's biggest competing party told that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it aims to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to close Mauritius. They include ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows approximately one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The rallies started over frustration with frequent water and power interruptions, then escalated to reflect broader discontent with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and in excess of 100 hurt in the first few days of the protests, although the administration has rejected these statistics.

Witnesses report police shooting on protesters with live ammunition. In one case, a infant passed away from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to lead for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced appeal rapidly diminished, as claims of nepotism and established corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z protesters who want to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Defense general designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests