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Armed forces have threatened to seize the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his administration says, amid unverified reports that he has fled the country.

A French military plane is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a 14 days of national rallies aimed at removing him from power.

His ineffective efforts to calm young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further compromises to no avail.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to push him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army force - known as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in command of all the armed forces, while numerous of its members supported activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a gathering of army officers on Monday, the new Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the military were working together to maintain stability in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the officer was at state TV building trying to address the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Talking on understanding of confidentiality, a senior representative in Madagascar's biggest opposition party told that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it plans to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".

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

Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows just over one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The rallies started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then increased to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and over 100 hurt in the initial days of the rallies, although the government has disputed these numbers.

Observers describe police opening fire on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, including mass rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to govern for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced appeal quickly diminished, as allegations of favoritism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Military general named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations