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Soldiers have warned to occupy the national TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified reports that he has left the country.

A international military plane is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests intended to removing him out of power.

His failed efforts to calm young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make additional concessions to no avail.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in control of all the military, while several of its personnel supported activists on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the armed services were working together to preserve peace in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV headquarters working to resolve the situation, according to a statement from the presidency.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's biggest competing party informed that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also stated it intends to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

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

Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the poverty line, while data shows approximately one-third of people have access to electricity.

The protests began over frustration with frequent water and power cuts, then increased to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and over 100 hurt in the opening days of the rallies, although the administration has disputed these figures.

Eyewitnesses report security officers shooting on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In an instance, a baby died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

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

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to lead for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to joining politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, young-looking charm quickly waned, as allegations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z protesters who aim to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military officer appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations