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Soldiers have threatened to seize the government TV building in Madagascar as Leader Andry Rajoelina was expected to address the nation, his administration confirms, amid unconfirmed reports that he has left the country.

A foreign military plane is believed to have evacuated Rajoelina from the African island to an unknown location, following a two weeks of nationwide protests designed to removing him out of power.

His unsuccessful attempts to appease young protesters - dubbed "Gen Z Mada" - saw him fire his entire government and make further compromises to unsuccessfully.

On Sunday, his office said an attempt was in progress to force him from power. He has not been spotted in public since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted install Rajoelina in power in 2009 acted to challenge him by proclaiming itself in charge of all the army, while numerous of its personnel supported demonstrators on the streets of the main city, Antananarivo.

Subsequent to a meeting of military officers on Monday, the current Armed Forces Leader appointed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, promised the people that the security forces were collaborating to keep order in the island nation.

By Monday night, the officer was at state TV headquarters attempting to resolve the crisis, according to a communication from the presidency.

Communicating on condition of privacy, a high-ranking representative in Madagascar's biggest opposition party told that Madagascar was now essentially being run by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore said it intends to bring impeachment actions against Rajoelina for "abandonment of position".

Multiple of Rajoelina's top advisors have fled to adjacent Mauritius. They comprise ex- Government Leader Richard Ravalomanana and the entrepreneur Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

In spite of its rich mineral wealth, Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people there reside below the economic hardship level, while statistics shows about one-third of individuals have availability to electricity.

The protests started over frustration with ongoing water and power outages, then escalated to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's regime over high unemployment, corruption, and the financial crisis.

At least 22 individuals were killed and over 100 wounded in the initial days of the protests, although the authorities has rejected these figures.

Eyewitnesses detail security officers using weapons on civilians with real bullets. In a particular situation, a infant passed away from respiratory issues after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been shaken by numerous rebellions since it obtained independence in 1960, comprising mass demonstrations in 2009 that compelled then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and saw Rajoelina ushered into office.

Being just 34 at the moment, Rajoelina became Africa's least experienced leader - proceeding to govern for four years, then resuming to power again after the 2018 election.

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, earlier than pursuing 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 stylish, youthful appeal quickly declined, as allegations of cronyism and established corruption became ongoing.

Additional information about Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z protesters who aim to compel Madagascar's leader from power
• Military general named as Madagascar PM to quell Gen Z protests