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Soldiers have declared intention to occupy the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A French military jet is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of countrywide protests designed to removing him from power.

His unsuccessful attempts to appease young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make other agreements to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was under way to push him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was first planned at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - known as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in command of all the armed forces, while several of its officers joined activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of army leaders on Monday, the new Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the armed services were working together to maintain peace in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at national TV headquarters trying to settle the situation, according to a announcement from the presidential office.

Talking on understanding of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's biggest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

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

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows about one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations started over frustration with ongoing water and power outages, then intensified to represent wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and more than 100 wounded in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the administration has denied these numbers.

Observers describe security officers opening fire on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a newborn passed away from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

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

Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to rule for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced attraction rapidly declined, as allegations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z protesters who seek to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Military commander appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests