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Armed forces have declared intention to take control of the national TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his office says, amid unverified information that he has fled the country.

A French military plane is said to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of countrywide rallies designed to kicking him from power.

His unsuccessful efforts to placate young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was under way to force him out of power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army force - called CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by declaring itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its officers supported activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a gathering of military commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the military were collaborating to preserve peace in the island nation.

By Monday night, the officer was at government TV building working to address the emergency, according to a communication from the presidency.

Communicating on condition of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's largest opposition party told that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it intends to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to nearby Mauritius. They include ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power interruptions, then escalated to reflect broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured in the initial days of the demonstrations, although the administration has disputed these figures.

Observers describe security officers opening fire on civilians with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a infant died from smoke inhalation after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by numerous protests since it gained independence in 1960, comprising mass rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced charm rapidly diminished, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's emergency:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Military general appointed as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies