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Soldiers have warned to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his staff says, amid unverified accounts that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national rallies intended to removing him out of power.

His ineffective endeavors to placate young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make other compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was under way to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by announcing itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its personnel joined demonstrators on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of military commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the security forces were working together to keep order in the state.

By Monday night, the officer was at state TV headquarters trying to resolve the situation, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Communicating on understanding of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's biggest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to close Mauritius. They comprise ex- Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the poverty line, while information shows about one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over frustration with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in the initial days of the protests, although the authorities has rejected these statistics.

Observers report security officers opening fire on demonstrators with real bullets. In one case, a newborn passed away from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to lead for four years, then coming back to power again after the 2018 election.

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

But his stylish, youthful charm quickly diminished, as allegations of favoritism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z protesters who seek to force Madagascar's leader from power
• Army officer appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies