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Military members have declared intention to take control of the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his administration reports, amid unverified reports that he has left the country.

A French military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of countrywide rallies designed to ousting him from power.

His failed attempts to placate young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make other compromises to without success.

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

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

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by announcing itself in command of all the military, while numerous of its officers aligned with demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of defense commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were collaborating to maintain stability in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the officer was at national TV facilities working to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.

Communicating on basis of anonymity, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's biggest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it intends to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to nearby Mauritius. They include previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while data shows about one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The rallies commenced over anger with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to reflect more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and in excess of 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has rejected these figures.

Eyewitnesses detail police opening fire on civilians with live ammunition. In an instance, a baby died from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

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

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm soon declined, as claims of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to force Madagascar's president from power
• Military general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations