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Armed forces have declared intention to take control of the state TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his office says, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.

A foreign military aircraft is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of countrywide protests intended to removing him out of power.

His failed attempts to appease young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make additional concessions to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while several of its officers aligned with activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the security forces were collaborating to preserve peace in the island nation.

By Monday night, the officer was at government TV building attempting to address the situation, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Communicating on basis of anonymity, a senior official in Madagascar's major rival party told that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of ex- Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The rallies started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power interruptions, then increased to represent more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and in excess of 100 wounded in the initial days of the rallies, although the government has denied these figures.

Observers describe police using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a infant died from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

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

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his stylish, young-looking charm rapidly diminished, as claims of cronyism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to force Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense commander appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies