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Armed forces have warned to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office confirms, amid unverified accounts that he has left the country.

A French military plane is believed to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of countrywide demonstrations aimed at removing him out of power.

His failed efforts to placate young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further compromises to unsuccessfully.

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

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

Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to undermine him by announcing itself in charge of all the military, while some of its members joined demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a meeting of military officers on Monday, the current Military Commander installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the citizens that the military were collaborating to keep order in the state.

By Monday night, the officer was at national TV facilities attempting to resolve the crisis, according to a statement from the administration.

Communicating on basis of confidentiality, a senior official in Madagascar's largest rival party informed that Madagascar was now practically being run by CAPSAT.

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

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They include former Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its plentiful natural resources, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the impoverishment threshold, while data shows just over one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The demonstrations started over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power outages, then intensified to demonstrate wider discontent with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and over 100 hurt in the opening days of the protests, although the administration has rejected these numbers.

Observers describe security officers using weapons on demonstrators with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn passed away from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, including mass rallies in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

Being just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - going on to govern for four years, then coming back to power once more after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, before joining politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced appeal soon diminished, as accusations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z protesters who aim to force Madagascar's president from power
• Defense commander designated as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations