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. They include former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga.
Despite its abundant natural resources, Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 75% of people live below the poverty line, the World Bank says.
The protests began over anger with repeated water and power cuts, reflecting wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
At least 22 people have reportedly been killed and more than 100 injured since protests began. Eyewitnesses described security officers opening fire on protesters with live ammunition.
Madagascar has experienced multiple uprisings since independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to step down.
At just 34, Rajoelina became Africa's youngest leader in 2009, known for allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption.
