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Soldiers have threatened to seize the state TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to address the nation, his administration reports, amid unverified reports that he has fled the country.

A French military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an undisclosed location, following a fortnight of nationwide rallies aimed at ousting him out of power.

His ineffective endeavors to appease young demonstrators - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his complete government and make other concessions to without success.

On Sunday, his administration said an endeavor was ongoing to push him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's scheduled statement to the nation has been put off multiple times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 Madagascar time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a powerful army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by announcing itself in charge of all the military, while some of its officers aligned with protesters on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of defense commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the armed services were working together to keep order in the state.

By Monday evening, the commander was at state TV headquarters trying to settle the situation, according to a announcement from the presidential office.

Communicating on basis of anonymity, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's major rival party told that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it intends to bring removal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Numerous of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to close Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant raw materials, Madagascar is counted as the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there reside below the poverty line, while data shows just over one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The rallies commenced over frustration with frequent water and power outages, then intensified to represent more extensive unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over significant unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 individuals were fatally injured and over 100 wounded in the opening days of the protests, although the administration has rejected these numbers.

Witnesses detail security officers shooting on protesters with real bullets. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from smoke inhalation after being subjected to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass demonstrations in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Aged just 34 at the time, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then returning 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 businessman and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm soon declined, as accusations of nepotism and deep-rooted corruption became persistent.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• About the Gen Z activists who seek to pressure Madagascar's president from power
• Military officer named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z demonstrations