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

A French military plane is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of countrywide protests aimed at kicking him from power.

His failed endeavors to placate young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make additional agreements 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 planned address to the nation has been postponed several times - it was first planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - known as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by announcing itself in charge of all the military, while some of its personnel joined protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of defense commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the military were working together to preserve stability in the island nation.

By Monday night, the officer was at government TV facilities attempting to address the emergency, according to a communication from the presidency.

Communicating on condition of privacy, a senior representative in Madagascar's biggest opposition party told that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also stated it plans to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows about one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The protests began over anger with repeated water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and over 100 wounded in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has denied these figures.

Eyewitnesses report police shooting on civilians with lethal rounds. In one case, a infant passed away from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, comprising large-scale demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to govern for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his stylish, youthful appeal quickly declined, as claims of nepotism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z protesters who seek to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies