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Soldiers have threatened to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his administration says, amid unverified information that he has left the country.

A international military aircraft is reported to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests designed to ousting him from power.

His failed attempts to appease young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his complete government and make further compromises to unsuccessfully.

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

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

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - called CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by declaring itself in control of all the military, while some of its personnel joined demonstrators on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of army commanders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the armed services were cooperating to preserve peace in the state.

By Monday night, the commander was at national TV building trying to settle the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Communicating on basis of anonymity, a high-ranking official in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it aims to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows about one-third of people have access to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power outages, then intensified to demonstrate wider discontent with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and more than 100 hurt in the initial days of the protests, although the administration has denied these statistics.

Eyewitnesses detail security officers using weapons on protesters with real bullets. In one case, a newborn succumbed from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous protests since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to lead for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm quickly diminished, as claims of nepotism and established corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• About the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Defense commander named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies