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Soldiers have declared intention to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his administration says, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has fled the country.

A international military aircraft is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of countrywide protests aimed at kicking him out of power.

His ineffective attempts to appease young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make additional compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was in progress to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by announcing itself in charge of all the armed forces, while some of its members supported demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of military officers on Monday, the new Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the military were collaborating to preserve peace in the state.

By Monday night, the general was at state TV facilities trying to settle the emergency, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Speaking on condition of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally said it aims to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They include former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power cuts, then escalated to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were lost their lives and more than 100 hurt in the initial days of the protests, although the government has rejected these numbers.

Observers report security officers shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by numerous rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing mass rallies in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to rule for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, youthful attraction soon declined, as claims of nepotism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who seek to force Madagascar's leader from power
• Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies