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Armed forces have declared intention to occupy the national TV building in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to make statement to the nation, his staff says, amid unconfirmed accounts that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military jet is reported to have evacuated Rajoelina from the island island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of national demonstrations intended to ousting him from power.

His unsuccessful efforts to calm young protesters - called "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further agreements to no avail.

On Sunday, his staff said an attempt was under way to force him out of power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army unit - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by declaring itself in control of all the military, while several of its officers supported demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Following a meeting of defense commanders on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the security forces were cooperating to keep order in the state.

By Monday night, the commander was at national TV facilities working to settle the emergency, according to a announcement from the presidential office.

Speaking on basis of confidentiality, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's major competing party revealed that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has additionally said it aims to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They include previous Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the most impoverished countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there reside below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows approximately one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations started over frustration with repeated water and power outages, then intensified to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and more than 100 injured in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has disputed these statistics.

Eyewitnesses report police opening fire on protesters with live ammunition. In one case, a infant passed away from breathing problems after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous protests since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising large-scale rallies in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

Being just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to rule for four years, then returning to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking appeal quickly declined, as allegations of favoritism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Regarding the Gen Z activists who seek to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Military general named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z demonstrations