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Soldiers have declared intention to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his staff confirms, amid unofficial information that he has fled the country.

A French military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a two weeks of national demonstrations designed to removing him out of power.

His ineffective endeavors to placate young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make other agreements to no avail.

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

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

Over the weekend, a influential army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by announcing itself in command of all the military, while several of its officers joined protesters on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the armed services were collaborating to preserve order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the commander was at government TV facilities working to resolve the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.

Talking on understanding of confidentiality, a top leader in Madagascar's major rival party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it plans to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the poverty line, while statistics shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations started over anger with ongoing water and power cuts, then increased to reflect broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and over 100 injured in the initial days of the rallies, although the administration has rejected these numbers.

Eyewitnesses report police shooting on demonstrators with live ammunition. In one case, a baby died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several protests since it gained independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, prior to joining politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm rapidly waned, as allegations of cronyism and established corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z protesters who want to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Army officer named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests