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Military members have declared intention to take control of the government TV facilities in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office says, amid unofficial accounts that he has fled the country.

A French military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of national protests aimed at removing him out of power.

His failed endeavors to placate young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make additional concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an effort was ongoing to push him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army force - called CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by declaring itself in control of all the army, while several of its personnel supported protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a conference of army officers on Monday, the current Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the public that the security forces were cooperating to preserve stability in the island nation.

By Monday late afternoon, the commander was at state TV building trying to address the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.

Speaking on understanding of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally announced it intends to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have departed to adjacent Mauritius. They include former Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant 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 just over one-third of people have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies commenced over frustration with frequent water and power cuts, then increased to reflect broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and over 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the government has denied these figures.

Witnesses describe police using weapons on demonstrators with real bullets. In an instance, a infant died from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

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

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

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before joining politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, youthful charm soon declined, as claims of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's emergency:

• Regarding the Gen Z protesters who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Army general appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies