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Soldiers have warned to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.

A international military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a two weeks of national protests aimed at ousting him out of power.

His failed efforts to placate young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make additional compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by proclaiming itself in command of all the army, while several of its officers aligned with demonstrators on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of defense officers on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the armed services were collaborating to keep order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the officer was at government TV headquarters working to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.

Communicating on condition of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's largest opposition party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it aims to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The rallies began over frustration with repeated water and power interruptions, then escalated to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and in excess of 100 wounded in the initial days of the protests, although the government has rejected these numbers.

Observers describe law enforcement opening fire on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a baby passed away from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several protests since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced appeal quickly declined, as accusations of favoritism and established corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Army officer appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests