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Military members have threatened to take control of the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration says, amid unofficial accounts that he has departed from the country.

A French military jet is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of nationwide protests intended to removing him out of power.

His unsuccessful efforts to appease young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make other compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his office said an effort was ongoing to force him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the military, while numerous of its personnel joined activists on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the military were working together to preserve order in the country.

By Monday night, the officer was at state TV facilities attempting to address the situation, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Talking on basis of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally announced it plans to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the poverty line, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The rallies began over frustration with ongoing water and power cuts, then increased to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and over 100 wounded in the initial days of the rallies, although the government has rejected these figures.

Observers detail security officers shooting on demonstrators with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, including large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled 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 - continuing to rule for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his stylish, youthful attraction rapidly diminished, as claims of nepotism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z protesters who aim to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Defense commander designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests