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Armed forces have warned to occupy the national TV headquarters in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his staff reports, amid unofficial information that he has fled the country.

A French military aircraft is said to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests designed to ousting him out of power.

His ineffective attempts to placate young protesters - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make additional agreements to unsuccessfully.

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

Rajoelina's arranged speech to the nation has been put off numerous times - it was first scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a influential army force - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to undermine him by declaring itself in charge of all the armed forces, while numerous of its personnel aligned with demonstrators on the avenues of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a conference of army leaders on Monday, the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the security forces were cooperating to maintain order in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at national TV building working to resolve the emergency, according to a announcement from the administration.

Speaking on basis of privacy, a top official in Madagascar's biggest competing party told that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has also said it intends to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "neglect of office".

Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have escaped to close Mauritius. They include former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of citizens there live below the impoverishment threshold, while information shows about one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies commenced over anger with frequent water and power cuts, then intensified to reflect more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and over 100 wounded in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the authorities has disputed these figures.

Witnesses describe police opening fire on protesters with lethal rounds. In one case, a newborn succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

Madagascar has been impacted by several uprisings since it gained independence in 1960, comprising mass demonstrations in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

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

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

But his well-dressed, baby-faced appeal rapidly declined, as claims of favoritism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Army officer designated as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations