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Soldiers have declared intention to seize the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation, his administration says, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has left the country.

A foreign military jet is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of national rallies intended to removing him from power.

His failed attempts to calm young activists - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his whole government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his administration said an effort was ongoing to force him out of power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while some of its officers aligned with protesters on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the military were cooperating to keep order in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at national TV headquarters attempting to resolve the situation, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Speaking on condition of privacy, a top official in Madagascar's major competing party told that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it intends to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of office".

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

Regardless of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The protests started over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then increased to represent more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and in excess of 100 hurt in the opening days of the rallies, although the government has disputed these numbers.

Eyewitnesses report security officers opening fire on protesters with live ammunition. In one case, a infant died from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to govern for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than joining politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced charm rapidly diminished, as claims of nepotism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who seek to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense general designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z protests