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

A international military plane is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests aimed at kicking him out of power.

His failed efforts to appease young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make other agreements to no avail.

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

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by announcing itself in charge of all the armed forces, while several of its personnel joined protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the military were working together to keep order in the country.

By Monday evening, the officer was at national TV headquarters trying to settle the emergency, according to a announcement from the administration.

Communicating on understanding of confidentiality, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest rival party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

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

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

Despite its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows about one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations started over frustration with frequent water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and more than 100 hurt in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has disputed these statistics.

Witnesses detail law enforcement shooting on civilians with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a baby passed away from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced appeal rapidly waned, as allegations of favoritism and established corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who want to force Madagascar's president from power
• Army general named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies