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Armed forces have threatened to take control of the government TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his administration reports, amid unofficial reports that he has left the country.

A French military plane is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of countrywide protests aimed at kicking him out of power.

His failed efforts to appease young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further concessions to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was in progress to pressure him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - called CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in command of all the military, while some of its officers aligned with protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of army officers on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the armed services were collaborating to keep order in the state.

By Monday evening, the commander was at state TV facilities trying to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Talking on condition of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's biggest opposition party informed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows approximately one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The demonstrations began over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then intensified to reflect more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and in excess of 100 injured in the initial days of the protests, although the authorities has denied these numbers.

Observers detail law enforcement opening fire on civilians with live ammunition. In an instance, a infant succumbed from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to rule for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

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

But his well-dressed, young-looking appeal soon declined, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who want to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military officer named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests