Madagascar’s President Andry Nirina Rajoelina has fled the country, citing threats to his life, following weekslong anti-government demonstrations that escalated into a military revolt.
In his first public statement since the crisis began, Rajoelina confirmed late Sunday that he left Madagascar “to protect [his] life” after the elite military unit known as CAPSAT turned against his government. His speech, streamed on the presidency’s official Facebook page, was reportedly delayed after soldiers attempted to seize the state broadcaster’s facilities in the capital, Antananarivo.
“I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” Rajoelina said, warning that an illegal attempt to overthrow the government was underway.
Gen Z-led Protests Spark Rebellion
The political turmoil marks the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since he first rose to power following a 2009 military-backed coup. The current unrest began on September 25, triggered by persistent water and electricity shortages but quickly expanded into broader anger over governance and economic hardship.
The movement, largely driven by Gen Z protesters mobilizing through social media, gained momentum after CAPSAT, a key army unit, joined their calls for the president and his cabinet to resign.
CAPSAT’s commander, Michael Randrianirina, announced that his forces now control all branches of the military and have appointed a new officer to lead the armed forces, a move reportedly endorsed by the defense minister in Rajoelina’s absence. Randrianirina, however, denied that the rebellion amounted to a coup, saying, “It is up to the Madagascan people to decide what happens next.”
Streets Erupt in Support
Over the weekend, soldiers were seen riding armored vehicles and waving national flags as crowds in Antananarivo cheered them on. Despite sporadic gunfire, the capital has so far avoided full-scale clashes.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and dozens injured since the demonstrations began. The UN condemned what it described as a “violent response” by security forces against initially peaceful protests, a claim the government disputes.
Political Fallout and Foreign Response
Reports suggest Rajoelina was evacuated aboard a French military aircraft, though Paris has declined to confirm this. The French Foreign Ministry refused to comment, while speculation continues due to Rajoelina’s dual French citizenship, a long-standing source of resentment among many Malagasy citizens.
Madagascar, a former French colony of 31 million people, now faces a deepening leadership crisis. The president’s former prime minister and a senior adviser have also fled, arriving in Mauritius early Sunday. The Mauritian government expressed displeasure that the private jet carrying them landed without authorization.
Rajoelina, calling for dialogue “to find a way out of this situation,” urged respect for the constitution but did not disclose his location.
The unfolding crisis has left the island nation in political limbo, with protesters vowing to continue their movement until a new leadership emerges.
Source: AP, euronews
