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Military members have declared intention to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unverified reports that he has fled the country.

A foreign military jet is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of nationwide demonstrations aimed at kicking him out of power.

His unsuccessful attempts to appease young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make additional compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his administration said an effort was in progress to pressure him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was first planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by declaring itself in command of all the military, while numerous of its officers joined activists on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of army leaders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the military were cooperating to keep order in the island nation.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at government TV headquarters trying to address the crisis, according to a statement from the presidency.

Speaking on understanding of anonymity, a top representative in Madagascar's major competing party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally said it plans to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".

Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while data shows approximately one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies commenced over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power outages, then intensified to reflect wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and over 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has rejected these numbers.

Witnesses detail law enforcement using weapons on civilians with live ammunition. In one case, a baby died from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to lead for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, baby-faced attraction quickly declined, as accusations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z protesters who aim to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military officer designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations