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Armed forces have warned to occupy the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was due to make statement to the nation, his office confirms, amid unconfirmed reports that he has departed from the country.

A French military jet is said to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an secret location, following a fortnight of national rallies intended to ousting him out of power.

His failed efforts to calm young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make further agreements to without success.

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

Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been put off several times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - known as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by announcing itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its officers joined protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of army commanders on Monday, the new Armed Forces Leader installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the security forces were working together to keep order in the country.

By Monday night, the officer was at national TV headquarters trying to settle the crisis, according to a communication from the presidency.

Talking on condition of confidentiality, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's major opposition party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also stated it aims to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to nearby Mauritius. They include former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent more extensive dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and over 100 wounded in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has denied these statistics.

Observers detail security officers opening fire on civilians with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn passed away from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous protests since it achieved independence in 1960, comprising extensive protests in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - continuing to rule for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, before joining politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, baby-faced attraction soon waned, as accusations of cronyism and established corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to force Madagascar's head of state from power
• Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z rallies