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Soldiers have declared intention to occupy the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his office reports, amid unofficial reports that he has left the country.

A foreign military aircraft is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of countrywide demonstrations intended to removing him from power.

His failed attempts to calm young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make additional compromises to without success.

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

Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was originally planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army division - called CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by announcing itself in control of all the armed forces, while numerous of its personnel supported activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of army leaders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the security forces were working together to preserve peace in the island nation.

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

Speaking on condition of confidentiality, a top official in Madagascar's largest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally stated it plans to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of position".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the poverty line, while data shows approximately one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over frustration with frequent water and power outages, then escalated to represent wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and in excess of 100 hurt in the initial days of the rallies, although the authorities has denied these figures.

Witnesses detail security officers using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.

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

At the age of just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to rule for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, youthful appeal quickly waned, as accusations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• Regarding the Gen Z activists who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Military officer named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies