( CNN ) -- Members of Madagascar 's military battled supporters of President Marc Ravalomanana outside the presidential palace Monday as the turmoil over whether he stays in office intensified . Madagascan soldiers loyal to opposition leader Andry Rajoelina outside the presidential palace Monday . An eyewitness who blogs from Madagascar , Stefan Armananarivo , told CNN he saw two tanks outside the presidential palace in Antananarivo , the country 's capital , and saw the military shoot at people in the crowd protecting the building . News reports from the scene gave similar descriptions and said the self-declared leader of the armed forces had announced his support for the opposition . Some supporters of the president lined up to try to block the military from taking over the palace . It was not immediately clear whether the military had taken over the palace . Reports said the embattled Ravalomanana was in a different palace at the time . At the U.S. embassy in Antananarivo , the head of security announced that explosions and gunshots had been heard at the palace , according to an embassy employee who asked not to be named for security reasons . The violence came as the African Union held an emergency meeting to discuss the power struggle gripping Madagascar . The AU said all members of its Peace and Security group would attend the meeting . Ravalomanana pledged Sunday that he would remain in office despite fierce opposition , and urged the country 's military not to intervene . `` I am aware of the feelings of anxiety that you feel in the face of intentions to seize power by force , '' Ravalomanana told a crowd gathered at the president 's palace Sunday in Lavoloha , according to a statement issued by his office . He pledged to `` remain faithful to the people and never leave her alone . '' An official with his office told CNN that the president said he would organize a referendum if that would help solve the crisis . The statement from Ravalomanana 's office quoted him as saying , `` If we have to go through a referendum , I have nothing to fear even if this occurs . '' The president 's government has been at odds with opposition leader Andry Rajoelina , who recently was ousted from his position as mayor of Antananarivo . Rajoelina has called on Ravalomanana to quit . Poverty has been a major issue in Madagascar , boosting Rajoelina 's appeal to a segment of the population angered by the behavior of Ravalomanana , including his recent purchase of a private jet . CNN 's Erin Levin contributed to this report .
NEW : Witnesses report tanks , gunshots outside Madagascar presidential palace . NEW : Not immediately clear if military had taken control of the palace . African Union calls emergency meeting to discuss power struggle . Crisis has plunged poverty-stricken nation into turmoil .