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Military members have threatened to seize the government TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his administration says, amid unverified information that he has fled the country.

A French military plane is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of national protests aimed at removing him out of power.

His failed attempts to appease young demonstrators - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make other concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an effort was ongoing to pressure him from power. He has not been seen in visible since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by announcing itself in control of all the army, while several of its members joined activists on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a conference of defense officers on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the armed services were cooperating to maintain order in the island nation.

By Monday evening, the general was at state TV building trying to address the emergency, according to a statement from the administration.

Talking on condition of confidentiality, a top leader in Madagascar's biggest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being managed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it aims to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They comprise ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there live below the impoverishment threshold, while statistics shows approximately one-third of residents have availability to electricity.

The rallies started over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power cuts, then increased to represent broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in the first few days of the rallies, although the government has denied these numbers.

Witnesses describe security officers using weapons on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a infant passed away from breathing problems after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by several rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina brought into office.

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

Rajoelina was born into wealth and, prior to pursuing politics, had established himself for himself as an business owner and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, baby-faced appeal soon declined, as accusations of favoritism and entrenched corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Regarding the Gen Z demonstrators who want to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Military officer named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies