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Armed forces have threatened to seize the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office reports, amid unverified accounts that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a two weeks of countrywide rallies intended to removing him from power.

His failed endeavors to placate young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make other agreements to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to push him from power. He has not been spotted in open since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled address to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was initially due at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - called CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by declaring itself in control of all the army, while several of its personnel joined demonstrators on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of army officers on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the military were working together to preserve peace in the state.

By Monday evening, the general was at state TV headquarters attempting to resolve the emergency, according to a communication from the presidency.

Speaking on condition of confidentiality, a top representative in Madagascar's major competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally said it intends to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to close Mauritius. They comprise former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows about one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The protests commenced over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power cuts, then increased to reflect more extensive discontent with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and over 100 wounded in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has disputed these figures.

Witnesses detail law enforcement using weapons on civilians with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn succumbed from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple protests since it gained independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm soon declined, as claims of favoritism and established corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

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