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Armed forces have threatened to take control of the national TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his administration confirms, amid unconfirmed information that he has fled the country.

A foreign military plane is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of national demonstrations designed to ousting him out of power.

His unsuccessful attempts to placate young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was ongoing to force him from power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported install Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to weaken him by announcing itself in control of all the army, while numerous of its officers joined activists on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

Following a gathering of defense leaders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the security forces were working together to keep order in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at state TV building trying to resolve the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Talking on basis of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's biggest competing party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it intends to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich natural resources, Madagascar is one of the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the poverty line, while data shows just over one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The protests began over anger with repeated water and power outages, then increased to represent wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were killed and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the government has disputed these figures.

Eyewitnesses report law enforcement opening fire on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In an instance, a newborn died from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by several uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, including large-scale demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Aged just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader - going on to lead for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his stylish, youthful attraction soon diminished, as allegations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• Regarding the Gen Z activists who want to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Army officer named as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies