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Armed forces have threatened to occupy the state TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to speak to the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed information that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military jet is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests aimed at removing him out of power.

His ineffective efforts to appease young demonstrators - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make additional compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was in progress to force him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled statement to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was first due at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - called CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by proclaiming itself in control of all the armed forces, while numerous of its personnel aligned with activists on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the security forces were cooperating to preserve stability in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at state TV headquarters attempting to settle the crisis, according to a statement from the administration.

Talking on condition of privacy, a senior representative in Madagascar's major rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also announced it plans to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the economic hardship level, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The protests commenced over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to demonstrate wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and over 100 injured in the initial days of the rallies, although the government has disputed these statistics.

Eyewitnesses report security officers using weapons on civilians with real bullets. In an instance, a baby died from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several uprisings since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to rule for four years, then resuming to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before entering politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his stylish, young-looking attraction rapidly waned, as claims of nepotism and established corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

• Behind the Gen Z activists who aim to pressure Madagascar's head of state from power
• Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests