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Military members have declared intention to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his staff confirms, amid unverified reports that he has fled the country.

A foreign military aircraft is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide rallies designed to ousting him from power.

His failed attempts to placate young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further agreements to no avail.

On Sunday, his administration said an effort was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by declaring itself in command of all the army, while some of its officers joined demonstrators on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a conference of army leaders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the security forces were cooperating to preserve stability in the country.

By Monday evening, the general was at state TV headquarters trying to resolve the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.

Communicating on basis of confidentiality, a top representative in Madagascar's largest competing party informed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows just over one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The protests started over frustration with repeated water and power cuts, then intensified to demonstrate more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and more than 100 hurt in the initial days of the rallies, although the administration has rejected these statistics.

Witnesses describe police using weapons on protesters with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a newborn died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple protests since it obtained independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that compelled 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 - proceeding to govern for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, young-looking charm rapidly declined, as accusations of nepotism and established corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to force Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense officer designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies