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Military members have declared intention to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration reports, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national demonstrations intended to removing him out of power.

His failed attempts to placate young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make further concessions to unsuccessfully.

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

Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was first due at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - known as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by declaring itself in control of all the armed forces, while some of its personnel joined protesters on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the new Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the armed services were collaborating to keep stability in the state.

By Monday evening, the commander was at state TV facilities trying to settle the emergency, according to a communication from the presidency.

Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's biggest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it aims to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to close Mauritius. They include ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows approximately one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The protests began over anger with frequent water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and more than 100 wounded in the opening days of the protests, although the administration has disputed these figures.

Eyewitnesses describe police shooting on civilians with real bullets. In a particular situation, a baby died from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.

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

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to lead for four years, then resuming to power once more 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 along the way.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm soon declined, as allegations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Defense commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests