Soldiers have threatened to seize the state TV headquarters in Madagascar as President Andry Rajoelina was due to address the nation, his office says, amid unconfirmed reports that he has fled the country.
A French military aircraft is said to have airlifted Rajoelina from the Indian Ocean island to an unknown location, following a fortnight of nationwide protests aimed at kicking him out of power.
His failed attempts to placate young protesters - dubbed 'Gen Z Mada' - saw him sack his entire government and make other concessions to no avail.
On Sunday, his office said an attempt was under way to force him from power. He has not been seen in public since Wednesday.
Rajoelina's planned address to the nation has been delayed several times - it was initially due at 1900 local time (1600 GMT).
Over the weekend, a powerful army unit - known as CAPSAT - that helped install Rajoelina in power in 2009 moved to undermine him by declaring itself in command of all the armed forces, while some of its officers joined protesters on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo.
Following a meeting of military commanders on Monday, the new Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that the security forces were working together to maintain order in the island nation.
By Monday evening, the general was at state TV headquarters trying to resolve the crisis, according to a statement from the presidency.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior leader in Madagascar's largest opposition party told the BBC that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT.
The TIM party has also said it plans to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for 'abandonment of post'.
Several of Rajoelina's inner circle have fled to nearby Mauritius, including former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and the businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of its population lives below the poverty line, the World Bank says, while only a third have access to electricity according to the IMF.
The protests began over grievances regarding repeated water and power cuts and escalated into broader discontent with Rajoelina's administration, focusing on high unemployment, corruption, and the rising cost of living.
At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the first few days of the protests, according to the UN, although the government has disputed these figures.
Eyewitnesses report that security officers opened fire on protesters with live ammunition. There were tragic incidents, including the death of a newborn from smoke inhalation attributed to tear gas during the protests.
Madagascar has a history of upheaval, having experienced multiple uprisings since achieving independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that led to the ousting of then-President Marc Ravalomanana and the rise of Rajoelina.
Rajoelina, who became Africa's youngest leader when he took office at the age of 34, has faced growing criticism amid allegations of cronyism and persistent corruption.
