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Armed forces have warned to take control of the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his office reports, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.

A foreign military plane is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a 14 days of national protests intended to kicking him out of power.

His unsuccessful efforts to appease young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make further concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been spotted in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a significant army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by announcing itself in control of all the army, while some of its personnel aligned with protesters on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a conference of defense commanders on Monday, the new Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were cooperating to preserve order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the officer was at national TV headquarters working to resolve the crisis, according to a announcement from the administration.

Speaking on understanding of confidentiality, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's biggest competing party informed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it intends to bring dismissal proceedings against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have departed to nearby Mauritius. They comprise former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the economic hardship level, while data shows approximately one-third of individuals have access to electricity.

The protests started over anger with ongoing water and power outages, then increased to reflect wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and over 100 injured in the first few days of the rallies, although the authorities has rejected these numbers.

Observers detail security officers shooting on civilians with real bullets. In an instance, a infant succumbed from breathing problems after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several protests since it obtained independence in 1960, encompassing extensive protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - going on to rule for four years, then returning to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, youthful appeal quickly diminished, as accusations of nepotism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's situation:

• About the Gen Z activists who want to compel Madagascar's head of state from power
• Defense general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z protests