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Military members have declared intention to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his staff reports, amid unconfirmed reports that he has left the country.

A French military plane is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a two weeks of nationwide demonstrations designed to kicking him from power.

His unsuccessful attempts to placate young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make additional compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in charge of all the military, while some of its members joined demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of military commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were collaborating to maintain peace in the country.

By Monday evening, the general was at state TV headquarters trying to resolve the crisis, according to a communication from the presidency.

Speaking on condition of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's major rival party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

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

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the poverty line, while data shows just over one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The protests began over frustration with repeated water and power interruptions, then intensified to reflect broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and more than 100 hurt in the opening days of the protests, although the authorities has disputed these numbers.

Witnesses describe security officers shooting on demonstrators with real bullets. In one case, a newborn passed away from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple protests since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to govern for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before joining 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 sharp-suited, young-looking appeal quickly declined, as accusations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
• Army general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations