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 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 businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Approximately 75% of the population lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank, while just over a third has access to electricity, according to the IMF.
The protests were initially sparked by outrage over repeated water and power cuts but escalated due to widespread dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government amid high unemployment, corruption, and a rising cost of living.
At least 22 people were reported killed and more than 100 injured in the initial days of protests, according to the UN, although the government has disputed these figures.
Eyewitnesses reported that security personnel fired live ammunition at protesters, and in one tragic incident, a newborn baby died from smoke inhalation due to tear gas exposure.
Madagascar has experienced multiple uprisings since gaining independence in 1960. In 2009, mass protests resulted in the resignation of then-President Marc Ravalomanana, bringing Rajoelina to power.
At that time, just 34 years old, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader and governed for four years before being re-elected in 2018.
Before entering politics, he was a successful entrepreneur and DJ, although his popularity has waned amid allegations of cronyism and deep-rooted corruption in his administration.
