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Military members have declared intention to seize the state TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his office says, amid unverified reports that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is said to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests aimed at ousting him from power.

His failed efforts to calm young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make additional agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his administration said an attempt was under way to pressure him from power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while numerous of its members aligned with activists on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the security forces were cooperating to keep order in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV headquarters working to address the crisis, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's biggest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it intends to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to close Mauritius. They include former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the economic hardship level, while data shows just over one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The demonstrations began over frustration with frequent water and power interruptions, then increased to represent more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and over 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the government has disputed these statistics.

Witnesses describe police opening fire on demonstrators with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to lead for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.

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

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

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Military commander named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests