Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza's attempt to return home to tackle a coup has failed and he has returned to Tanzania where he was attending a summit.
The coup announced by Maj Gen Godefroid Niyombare had brought thousands on to the streets to celebrate.
But its outcome remains unclear and the presidency insisted it had failed.
Some reports in Burundi said the factions of the military still loyal to the president were in negotiations with those backing the coup to determine the next step.
One source told AFP news agency: "Both sides are committed to finding a compromise before dawn and announcing it to the population to avoid confusion and prevent things from escalating tomorrow."
The loyalists still reportedly hold the presidential palace and main radio offices.The capital, Bujumbura, was said to be quiet on Wednesday night.
Earlier Gen Niyombare had ordered the closure of the airport to prevent Mr Nkurunziza's plane from landing.
The UN and US urged all sides to show restraint.In his earlier announcement of the coup, Gen Niyombare said he did not recognise the leadership because the president's bid for a third term violated the constitution.
Gen Niyombare said in a radio broadcast: "The masses vigorously and tenaciously reject President Nkurunziza's third-term mandate.
President Pierre Nkurunziza has been relieved of his duties. The government is overthrown."
