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Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unofficial accounts that he has departed from the country.

A French military aircraft is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of nationwide demonstrations aimed at ousting him from power.

His failed efforts to calm young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was in progress to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by proclaiming itself in command of all the military, while some of its members joined protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of military officers on Monday, the new Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the military were cooperating to maintain stability in the island nation.

By Monday night, the general was at national TV facilities trying to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's largest competing party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally announced it intends to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite 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 information shows just over one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The protests began over anger with frequent water and power outages, then escalated to represent broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the authorities has rejected these numbers.

Observers report security officers shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a infant passed away from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, including large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down 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 coming from wealth and, prior to joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his stylish, baby-faced appeal soon waned, as allegations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z protesters who want to force Madagascar's president from power
• Military general appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations