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Armed forces have threatened to occupy the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his staff reports, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has fled the country.

A foreign military jet is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of national rallies aimed at ousting him from power.

His failed endeavors to placate young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make further compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was under way to force him out of power. He has not been observed in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by proclaiming itself in command of all the armed forces, while some of its officers supported activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a conference of military leaders on Monday, the current Military Commander appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were cooperating to keep peace in the state.

By Monday evening, the general was at national TV headquarters attempting to settle the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.

Communicating on basis of privacy, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's biggest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it intends to bring dismissal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of position".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They comprise previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows just over one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations commenced over anger with frequent water and power interruptions, then increased to demonstrate wider discontent with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the authorities has disputed these figures.

Observers describe police shooting on civilians with real bullets. In an instance, a infant died from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it obtained independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

At the age of just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to lead for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to joining politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced appeal quickly diminished, as accusations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
• Army general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests