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Soldiers have warned to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unverified reports that he has fled the country.

A international military jet is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of nationwide rallies intended to ousting him from power.

His failed attempts to appease young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his whole government and make other agreements to unsuccessfully.

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

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

Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by announcing itself in command of all the armed forces, while some of its personnel joined activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of defense leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the armed services were working together to preserve order in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at national TV headquarters working to settle the situation, according to a announcement from the administration.

Speaking on condition of confidentiality, a top leader in Madagascar's major rival party told that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally announced it intends to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows just over one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The rallies began over frustration with repeated water and power outages, then intensified to reflect wider discontent with Rajoelina's government over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured in the opening days of the rallies, although the authorities has disputed these figures.

Eyewitnesses detail security officers shooting on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a baby passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising mass rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to entering 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, young-looking appeal quickly diminished, as allegations of favoritism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Regarding the Gen Z activists who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies