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Soldiers have warned to seize the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unofficial reports that he has departed from the country.

A French military plane is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of countrywide rallies intended to removing him from power.

His unsuccessful efforts to placate young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make additional concessions to no avail.

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

Rajoelina's planned speech to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was originally due at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by declaring itself in control of all the army, while numerous of its members supported demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the military were cooperating to maintain order in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at state TV headquarters attempting to address the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a senior leader in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it intends to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to nearby Mauritius. They include previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power outages, then escalated to represent broader discontent with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and over 100 hurt in the first few days of the protests, although the administration has rejected these numbers.

Witnesses detail security officers shooting on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a newborn passed away from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing extensive demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to lead for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

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

But his stylish, youthful attraction rapidly diminished, as claims of cronyism and established corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z protesters who seek to force Madagascar's president from power
• Army general appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations