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Military members have threatened to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unconfirmed information that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of countrywide rallies designed to kicking him from power.

His failed attempts to appease young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make further agreements to no avail.

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

Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - called CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by announcing itself in control of all the armed forces, while several of its officers joined protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of defense officers on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the security forces were working together to keep stability in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV building attempting to resolve the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Communicating on understanding of privacy, a senior representative in Madagascar's major rival party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.

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

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

In spite of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the poverty line, while statistics shows approximately one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The protests began over frustration with repeated water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has rejected these statistics.

Eyewitnesses report law enforcement using weapons on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a infant died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, including extensive rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, youthful attraction soon declined, as claims of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z protesters who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense officer appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies