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Military members have threatened to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his office confirms, amid unconfirmed reports that he has departed from the country.

A international military plane is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a two weeks of national rallies intended to kicking him from power.

His failed endeavors to calm young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make other compromises to unsuccessfully.

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

Rajoelina's arranged statement to the nation has been postponed several times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in command of all the army, while some of its officers aligned with demonstrators on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of military officers on Monday, the new Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the armed services were collaborating to maintain stability in the state.

By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV building trying to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Talking on basis of privacy, a senior official in Madagascar's biggest rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it intends to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to close Mauritius. They include previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The protests started over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power interruptions, then increased to demonstrate wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and over 100 hurt in the initial days of the protests, although the authorities has denied these numbers.

Witnesses detail police shooting on civilians with lethal rounds. In an instance, a baby succumbed from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, including large-scale rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to lead 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 established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced attraction soon waned, as claims of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to force Madagascar's leader from power
• Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies