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Military members have warned to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his administration reports, amid unverified reports that he has fled the country.

A foreign military aircraft is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests aimed at removing him out of power.

His unsuccessful efforts to calm young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make further concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was ongoing to push him out of power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a powerful army division - known as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by declaring itself in command of all the military, while numerous of its members supported demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of military leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the security forces were collaborating to maintain peace in the country.

By Monday evening, the commander was at government TV building attempting to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.

Communicating on basis of anonymity, a top official in Madagascar's largest opposition party told that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it plans to bring removal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the poverty line, while information shows about one-third of people have access to electricity.

The protests started over anger with repeated water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and in excess of 100 hurt in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has disputed these figures.

Observers describe security officers using weapons on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a infant succumbed from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple protests since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising extensive rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before joining politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his sharp-suited, youthful charm quickly diminished, as accusations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

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