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Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the government TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration says, amid unverified information that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military jet is said to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of national protests intended to kicking him from power.

His failed endeavors to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make further compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was under way to force him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - called CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by announcing itself in control of all the military, while numerous of its personnel aligned with protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the new Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the armed services were working together to maintain order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the commander was at government TV headquarters trying to address the crisis, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Communicating on basis of anonymity, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest opposition party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it intends to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to close Mauritius. They comprise previous Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the economic hardship level, while information shows about one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured in the initial days of the protests, although the authorities has rejected these numbers.

Eyewitnesses report security officers using weapons on civilians with live ammunition. In an instance, a newborn died from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before entering politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced attraction rapidly diminished, as allegations of nepotism and established corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

• Regarding the Gen Z protesters who aim to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Army officer appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests