Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina now will most likely go to the presidential palace and proclaim himself the country’s rightful leader.

An estimated 90 troops loyal to Rajoelina operating two tanks were reported to have taken control of the presidential palace in Antananarivo. The attack occurred two days after Rajoelina called on the president — whom Rajoelina accuses of failing to “take responsibilities” — to resign, and three days after tanks were moved from a depot in the country’s capital to the control of mutinous soldiers in an undisclosed location.

So far, Ravalomanana, who was not captured or killed in the March 16 attack on the presidential palace, remains president. But Rajoelina still probably will claim that control of the presidential palace effectively makes him president. From the presidential palace, Rajoelina can be expected to make political appointments and issue orders to soldiers loyal to him to secure his power grab. Ravalomanana will counter with his own orders to push back forces loyal to Rajoelina, and will ignore the opposition leader’s parallel government. The two political leaders each control factions of the country’s army and paramilitary forces. While it is not clear whether the majority of the army will intervene on any side, street battles in Antananarivo between forces loyal to each leader will can be expected.

Though local officials and foreign diplomats will call on the two leaders to negotiate an end to their power struggle, protracted clashes for control over Antananarivo are more likely.