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Soldiers have threatened to seize the government TV building in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office says, amid unverified reports that he has fled the country.

A international military plane is reported to have transported Rajoelina from the African island to an undisclosed location, following a two weeks of countrywide rallies designed to ousting him from power.

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

On Sunday, his staff said an effort was in progress to force him out of power. He has not been observed in open since Wednesday.

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

Over the weekend, a influential army division - referred to as CAPSAT - that assisted establish Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to challenge him by declaring itself in control of all the military, while several of its officers joined demonstrators on the roads of the main city, Antananarivo.

After a gathering of army commanders on Monday, the current Military Commander designated by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, guaranteed the public that the security forces were cooperating to preserve order in the state.

By Monday late afternoon, the general was at state TV facilities trying to address the emergency, according to a communication from the presidential office.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a high-ranking leader in Madagascar's largest competing party revealed that Madagascar was now practically being governed by CAPSAT.

The TIM party has furthermore stated it intends to bring dismissal actions against Rajoelina for "desertion of office".

Numerous of Rajoelina's top advisors have departed to nearby Mauritius. They consist of former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the executive Maminiaina Ravatomanga.

Regardless of its plentiful raw materials, Madagascar is among the least wealthy countries in the world. About 75% of residents there exist below the poverty line, while information shows about one-third of people have availability to electricity.

The protests commenced over dissatisfaction with repeated water and power interruptions, then escalated to reflect broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over elevated unemployment, corruption, and the economic crisis.

At least 22 civilians were fatally injured and more than 100 hurt in the opening days of the protests, although the government has disputed these statistics.

Observers describe security officers shooting on civilians with lethal rounds. In a particular situation, a newborn succumbed from smoke inhalation after being exposed to tear gas.

Madagascar has been rocked by multiple uprisings since it achieved independence in 1960, encompassing mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down and saw Rajoelina placed into office.

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

Rajoelina was coming from wealth and, before pursuing politics, had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur and DJ - setting up a radio station and an advertising company along the way.

But his sharp-suited, youthful charm rapidly diminished, as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became persistent.

Further details regarding Madagascar's crisis:

• Behind the Gen Z demonstrators who want to compel Madagascar's president from power
• Army commander appointed as Madagascar PM to suppress Gen Z rallies