The office of Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has said an attempt to seize power illegally and unconstitutionally is underway in the country.
Hours later, an army unit known as CAPSAT claimed that it had taken over the leadership of the military command and was now in control of all armed forces - land, air, and naval.
This is the same unit that played a crucial role in the 2009 Malagasy political crisis, which helped Rajoelina rise to power.
Madagascar was first hit by protests on 25 September against water and power cuts, but these have escalated to reflect wider dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's government over high unemployment, corruption, and the cost-of-living crisis.
Rajoelina's statement said there is an attempt to seize power at this time in the territory of the Republic, in complete violation of the Constitution and democratic principles. He condemned in the strongest possible terms what he described as an attempt to destabilize the country and called on all key political forces to unite in defending the constitutional order and national sovereignty.
CAPSAT said it appointed a new chief of staff, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, according to a statement on its Facebook page.
On Sunday morning, reports surfaced of a shoot-out at the CAPSAT camp following a visit from gendarmerie officials aimed at discussions. Details surrounding this incident remain limited.
On Saturday, some soldiers left their barracks on the outskirts of the capital, Antananarivo, to join protesters in front of the city's town hall.
CAPSAT condemned the use of force by security forces against recent protests in Antananarivo.
Meanwhile, a statement from the presidency had assured the nation that Rajoelina and the newly appointed prime minister - an army general instated last week - were in control of the situation.
