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Soldiers have declared intention to take control of the national TV facilities in Madagascar as Head of state Andry Rajoelina was scheduled to make statement to the nation, his office says, amid unverified information that he has departed from the country.

A French military plane is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests aimed at ousting him out of power.

His ineffective attempts to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him dismiss his complete government and make other compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his office said an endeavor was in progress to push him from power. He has not been observed in public since Wednesday.

Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been postponed multiple times - it was initially scheduled at 1900 national time (1600 GMT).

Over the weekend, a significant army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that supported place Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by proclaiming itself in command of all the army, while some of its officers joined activists on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the citizens that the military were collaborating to maintain peace in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at government TV building working to settle the crisis, according to a announcement from the presidency.

Talking on understanding of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's biggest rival party revealed that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it plans to bring impeachment procedures against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Several of Rajoelina's top advisors have escaped to adjacent Mauritius. They include ex- Cabinet Head Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Despite its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the poverty line, while information shows approximately one-third of residents have access to electricity.

The demonstrations began over anger with repeated water and power interruptions, then escalated to demonstrate broader discontent with Rajoelina's regime over significant unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.

At least 22 civilians were lost their lives and over 100 injured in the first few days of the protests, although the authorities has denied these figures.

Eyewitnesses describe security officers shooting on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from respiratory issues after being affected by tear gas.

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

At the age of just 34 at the period, Rajoelina became Africa's most youthful leader - continuing to govern for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was raised in wealth and, earlier than entering politics, had established himself for himself as an businessman and DJ - establishing a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, young-looking charm quickly waned, as allegations of favoritism and deep-rooted corruption became unshakeable.

More on Madagascar's situation:

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