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Armed forces have threatened to take control of the national TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his administration says, amid unofficial information that he has left the country.

A French military plane is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national rallies designed to removing him from power.

His failed attempts to appease young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was under way to force him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - called CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while several of its personnel joined activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of defense commanders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were working together to maintain peace in the state.

By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV headquarters working to address the emergency, according to a announcement from the administration.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest competing party told that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it intends to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows just over one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power outages, then intensified to demonstrate broader discontent with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and more than 100 injured in the initial days of the protests, although the administration has denied these statistics.

Witnesses report law enforcement shooting on demonstrators with real bullets. In an instance, a baby passed away from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising large-scale protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, youthful appeal soon waned, as claims of favoritism and established corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense general named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations