Egypt’s military has issued a 48-hour deadline for President Mohamed Morsi to yield to the demands of the Egyptian people amid mass protests aimed at forcing him from office. The head of Egypt’s armed forces, General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, issued the ultimatum on Monday.

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi: “The armed forces warns everyone, if the demands of the people are not met within the ultimatum given, it will find it mandatory upon itself, in accordance to its historic and national responsibilities, and in respect to the demands of the great Egyptian people, to announce a road map and procedures, overseen by the military, that will include all groups, including the youth, who were and are still behind their blessed revolution.”

It is unclear exactly what role the military would take or what action it expects from President Morsi before the Wednesday deadline. Morsi has rejected the ultimatum, saying he will pursue his own path to reconciliation. A Morsi aide said the army’s statement was tantamount to a military coup. The government has seen a number of high-profile resignations as millions have taken to the streets to call for Morsi’s exit. The Egypt Independent reports two presidential spokesmen have resigned and says Prime Minister Hesham Qandil has offered his Cabinet resignation, but Morsi has yet to accept it. President Obama reportedly called President Morsi Monday night in part to confirm the United States still recognizes him as the democratically elected leader of Egypt.