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Soldiers have warned to seize the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A French military aircraft is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a 14 days of countrywide rallies designed to ousting him out of power.

His unsuccessful endeavors to calm young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make additional agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his staff said an endeavor was in progress to pressure him out of power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled speech to the nation has been delayed numerous times - it was initially planned at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army unit - called CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by declaring itself in control of all the military, while numerous of its personnel joined demonstrators on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of defense officers on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the military were working together to keep stability in the country.

By Monday evening, the officer was at state TV headquarters working to address the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Communicating on condition of anonymity, a top official in Madagascar's biggest rival party told that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it intends to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise previous Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have access to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over anger with frequent water and power outages, then escalated to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and more than 100 wounded in the opening days of the rallies, although the administration has rejected these figures.

Observers report police shooting on civilians with live ammunition. In a particular situation, a infant passed away from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by several uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, comprising extensive protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to lead for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, young-looking charm quickly diminished, as claims of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

More on Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who want to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations