The beleaguered president of Madagascar quit and handed over power to the military today.

TANKS and troops took control of a presidential palace in the centre of Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo yesterday after the military joined opposition leader Andry Rajoelina in his power struggle with President Marc Ravalomanana.

Madagascar's opposition chief emerged from two weeks in hiding to declare himself president, setting up another showdown with the country's increasingly isolated leader, who defied demands to resign.

The United Nations said Madagascar’s opposition leader has taken refuge in the French Embassy.