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Armed forces have warned to seize the government TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his staff confirms, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has left the country.

A French military plane is said to have transported Rajoelina from the island island to an secret location, following a fortnight of countrywide protests designed to kicking him from power.

His failed attempts to placate young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his entire government and make further agreements to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his administration said an effort was under way to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the military, while some of its members aligned with protesters on the avenues of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of military leaders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the people that the military were cooperating to maintain order in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the officer was at government TV headquarters working to settle the crisis, according to a statement from the presidency.

Talking on understanding of privacy, a senior representative in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it plans to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Several of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to nearby Mauritius. They include former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there exist below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows about one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over frustration with ongoing water and power interruptions, then escalated to reflect broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and in excess of 100 injured in the opening days of the demonstrations, although the administration has disputed these numbers.

Eyewitnesses report police opening fire on demonstrators with real bullets. In an instance, a newborn died from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by several uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, comprising mass protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - proceeding to lead for four years, then resuming to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company in the process.

But his well-dressed, young-looking appeal soon waned, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z activists who seek to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense officer named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests