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Armed forces have declared intention to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his staff says, amid unofficial information that he has departed from the country.

A foreign military aircraft is believed to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of countrywide demonstrations intended to removing him out of power.

His unsuccessful attempts to calm young activists - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his entire government and make additional agreements to without success.

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

Rajoelina's arranged address to the nation has been delayed several times - it was originally scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army division - known as CAPSAT - that helped establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to weaken him by proclaiming itself in control of all the military, while numerous of its members joined demonstrators on the roads of the capital, Antananarivo.

After a conference of army commanders on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the armed services were cooperating to maintain order in the state.

By Monday evening, the general was at national TV facilities working to address the crisis, according to a statement from the administration.

Speaking on understanding of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's largest opposition party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being governed by CAPSAT.

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

Numerous of Rajoelina's close associates have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of residents there live below the economic hardship level, while data shows about one-third of residents have opportunity to electricity.

The demonstrations began over anger with frequent water and power interruptions, then intensified to represent wider unhappiness with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 people were fatally injured and over 100 hurt in the first few days of the demonstrations, although the administration has denied these numbers.

Witnesses report police opening fire on civilians with live ammunition. In one case, a newborn died from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple rebellions since it achieved independence in 1960, including large-scale protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - continuing to lead for four years, then coming back to power a second time after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than pursuing politics, had built reputation for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - creating a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his well-dressed, youthful attraction quickly diminished, as accusations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's emergency:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who aim to pressure Madagascar's leader from power
• Defense officer named as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies