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Military members have declared intention to occupy the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed reports that he has left the country.

A foreign military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national protests designed to ousting him out of power.

His failed endeavors to appease young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make other compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was under way to force him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the military, while numerous of its members supported demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of defense leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the security forces were working together to keep order in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the officer was at state TV building trying to address the emergency, according to a statement from the presidential office.

Speaking on basis of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's biggest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it plans to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the economic hardship level, while data shows just over one-third of people have access to electricity.

The rallies commenced over frustration with ongoing water and power outages, then intensified to reflect broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and over 100 injured in the opening days of the rallies, although the authorities has denied these figures.

Eyewitnesses describe law enforcement opening fire on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a baby succumbed from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it obtained independence in 1960, including large-scale rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before joining politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm soon waned, as claims of cronyism and established corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Army commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations