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Soldiers have declared intention to take control of the government TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his staff reports, amid unofficial information that he has left the country.

A international military jet is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a fortnight of national rallies designed to kicking him from power.

His ineffective attempts to placate young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make other concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to force him out of power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to weaken him by announcing itself in command of all the army, while several of its members joined activists on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of military commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the security forces were collaborating to maintain stability in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at national TV facilities trying to resolve the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.

Talking on condition of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's biggest competing party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it plans to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows approximately one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power cuts, then escalated to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and over 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has denied these numbers.

Eyewitnesses describe law enforcement opening fire on civilians with live ammunition. In one case, a newborn died from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by several rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising large-scale demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to rule for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, young-looking attraction quickly waned, as claims of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
• Army commander appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations