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Armed forces have warned to occupy the government TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.

A foreign military jet is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a two weeks of national protests designed to ousting him from power.

His unsuccessful attempts to calm young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make additional compromises to no avail.

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

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

Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by declaring itself in charge of all the armed forces, while some of its members supported protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a conference of military officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the military were collaborating to maintain stability in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at state TV headquarters working to address the crisis, according to a statement from the presidency.

Communicating on condition of anonymity, a top leader in Madagascar's major competing party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

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

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

Despite 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 approximately one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The rallies commenced over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and in excess of 100 wounded in the opening days of the protests, although the government has rejected these statistics.

Witnesses report law enforcement shooting on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm soon declined, as accusations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Military officer designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies