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Armed forces have threatened to take control of the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was expected to speak to the nation, his office confirms, amid unofficial information that he has left the country.

A foreign military jet is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a 14 days of national protests aimed at removing him from power.

His ineffective endeavors to calm young activists - labeled "Gen Z Mada" - saw him sack his whole government and make additional compromises to without success.

On Sunday, his office said an effort was under way to pressure him from power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped place Rajoelina in power in 2009 proceeded to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its personnel joined demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the current Chief of Army Staff designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the citizens that the security forces were working together to preserve peace in the country.

By Monday late afternoon, the officer was at national TV building working to settle the situation, according to a communication from the presidency.

Talking on condition of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's major competing party informed that Madagascar was now effectively being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore announced it plans to bring removal procedures against Rajoelina for "desertion of post".

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is counted as the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the poverty line, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have opportunity to electricity.

The protests began over dissatisfaction with ongoing water and power cuts, then escalated to reflect broader unhappiness with Rajoelina's administration over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 people were lost their lives and more than 100 hurt in the initial days of the protests, although the authorities has denied these numbers.

Eyewitnesses detail security officers using weapons on protesters with live ammunition. In one case, a infant succumbed from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by numerous rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, including extensive protests in 2009 that pressured then-President Marc Ravalomanana to leave office and saw Rajoelina ushered 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 a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an business owner and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company during this period.

But his well-dressed, young-looking attraction quickly waned, as claims of favoritism and established corruption became unshakeable.

Further details regarding Madagascar's situation:

• About the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to force Madagascar's leader from power
• Military commander designated as Madagascar PM to calm Gen Z rallies