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Armed forces have warned to occupy the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unconfirmed reports that he has departed from the country.

A French military jet is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of national protests aimed at kicking him out of power.

His failed attempts to calm young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make additional concessions to no avail.

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

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by declaring itself in charge of all the armed forces, while some of its personnel joined demonstrators on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of defense officers on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the military were cooperating to preserve peace in the island nation.

By Monday night, the officer was at national TV facilities attempting to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the presidency.

Speaking on basis of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's biggest rival party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it aims to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows approximately one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then intensified to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the protests, although the government has denied these statistics.

Observers report security officers using weapons on civilians with live ammunition. In one case, a infant died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by several uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, including extensive rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced 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, earlier than entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his stylish, young-looking appeal rapidly waned, as allegations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• About the Gen Z protesters who seek to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations