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Soldiers have declared intention to seize the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his office confirms, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.

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

His unsuccessful efforts to calm young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make further agreements to without success.

On Sunday, his administration said an effort was under way to push him from power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned statement to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was initially due at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - called CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by proclaiming itself in control of all the armed forces, while several of its officers joined protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of army officers on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the security forces were cooperating to keep peace in the island nation.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at government TV building working to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the presidency.

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

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

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They include ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows just over one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power outages, then escalated to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and more than 100 injured in the first few days of the protests, although the administration has rejected these statistics.

Observers detail police shooting on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a newborn died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by several protests since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before joining politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm quickly declined, as accusations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• About the Gen Z demonstrators who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Army commander appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations