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Military members have threatened to seize the government TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has departed from the country.

A French military jet is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide protests intended to removing him from power.

His unsuccessful efforts to calm young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make other agreements to no avail.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to pressure him out of power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by proclaiming itself in control of all the army, while some of its personnel joined demonstrators on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of defense officers on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the security forces were working together to keep stability in the country.

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

Speaking on understanding of confidentiality, a top leader in Madagascar's major opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it aims to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is among the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have access to electricity.

The demonstrations started over anger with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to represent wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and more than 100 wounded in the initial days of the protests, although the government has disputed these numbers.

Eyewitnesses report police shooting on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a baby succumbed from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by multiple rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, including extensive demonstrations in 2009 that pressured 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 - going on to lead for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an business owner and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, baby-faced charm rapidly waned, as accusations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Military general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies