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Military members have declared intention to take control of the government TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unverified information that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military jet is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests designed to removing him from power.

His unsuccessful attempts to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make additional agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was ongoing to force him out of power. He has not been seen in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army force - known as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in command of all the military, while some of its members supported demonstrators on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of military commanders on Monday, the new Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the security forces were collaborating to preserve stability in the island nation.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at government TV facilities trying to resolve the emergency, according to a statement from the presidency.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a top representative in Madagascar's biggest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also announced it intends to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to nearby Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the poverty line, while data shows approximately one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The rallies began over frustration with frequent water and power outages, then escalated to demonstrate wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and over 100 hurt in the opening days of the protests, although the administration has rejected these statistics.

Observers describe security officers using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a infant died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, including mass rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm soon waned, as accusations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z protesters who aim to force Madagascar's leader from power
• Military commander appointed as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests