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Military members have threatened to occupy the state TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his administration reports, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.

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

His ineffective endeavors to appease young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make additional agreements to without success.

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

Rajoelina's planned statement to the nation has been delayed several times - it was initially planned at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - known as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by proclaiming itself in command of all the army, while some of its officers supported protesters on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of army commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the military were collaborating to maintain stability in the country.

By Monday evening, the general was at state TV facilities trying to settle the situation, according to a announcement from the presidential office.

Communicating on condition of anonymity, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's largest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it aims to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to nearby Mauritius. They include former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows just over one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The protests commenced over anger with repeated water and power cuts, then escalated to demonstrate wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and in excess of 100 wounded in the first few days of the protests, although the government has disputed these figures.

Observers describe police opening fire on demonstrators with live ammunition. In one case, a infant succumbed from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple rebellions since it gained independence in 1960, including large-scale protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm rapidly declined, as claims of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who seek to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Defense commander named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z demonstrations