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Soldiers have warned to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unverified accounts that he has fled the country.

A French military jet is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a fortnight of nationwide protests aimed at removing him out of power.

His ineffective attempts to calm young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make additional compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been postponed several times - it was initially due at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in command of all the armed forces, while numerous of its personnel aligned with protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the people that the military were working together to keep stability in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at government TV building attempting to address the emergency, according to a announcement from the administration.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a top official in Madagascar's major rival party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it plans to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while data shows about one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The protests commenced over dissatisfaction with frequent water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent broader discontent with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and more than 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has disputed these statistics.

Eyewitnesses describe security officers using weapons on civilians with lethal rounds. In an instance, a newborn passed away from respiratory issues after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by numerous rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing large-scale demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to rule for four years, then returning to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before joining politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his sharp-suited, youthful appeal rapidly declined, as claims of favoritism and established corruption became ongoing.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

• About the Gen Z activists who seek to force Madagascar's president from power
• Defense general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests