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Military members have declared intention to seize the government TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office confirms, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.

A international military plane is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of countrywide demonstrations intended to removing him from power.

His unsuccessful efforts to placate young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was under way to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been put off several times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - known as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by announcing itself in command of all the military, while numerous of its personnel joined activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were collaborating to preserve order in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at government TV headquarters attempting to settle the situation, according to a statement from the administration.

Talking on condition of confidentiality, a senior representative in Madagascar's largest rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it intends to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to nearby Mauritius. They comprise former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the poverty line, while information shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

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

At least 22 civilians were killed and in excess of 100 wounded in the initial days of the rallies, although the authorities has disputed these numbers.

Observers report law enforcement opening fire on civilians with real bullets. In an instance, a infant died from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, comprising extensive rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking attraction soon declined, as allegations of nepotism and established corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
• Defense general designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies