Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, has reportedly fled the country amid escalating anti-government protests and growing defections within the military.
The embattled leader was scheduled to address the nation on Monday evening but cancelled the broadcast for the second time after reports surfaced that soldiers planned to seize the state television station. Rajoelina has not been seen in public since last Wednesday, heightening speculation about his whereabouts.
According to Reuters, opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko said Rajoelina left the country on Sunday after some army units joined the protesters. “We called the staff of the presidency, and they confirmed that he left the country,” Randrianasoloniaiko said. A military source told Reuters the president departed aboard a French military aircraft, while RFI reported he had reached an agreement with President Emmanuel Macron before leaving.
The cr+sis deepened as former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga both close allies of Rajoelina flew urgently to Mauritius, a move confirmed by the Mauritian government.
Before his reported departure, Rajoelina accused elements within the armed forces of plotting a coup as they joined the youth-led demonstrations. Hours later, CAPSAT, an elite army unit, announced it had taken control of the nation’s military command.
Over the weekend, soldiers were seen mingling with jubilant demonstrators in Antananarivo, signalling fractures within the armed forces. The ongoing unrest, dubbed “Gen Z Madagascar,” began as protests over power and water shortages but has evolved into a nationwide movement against corruption and rising living costs. The UN says at least 22 people have died, though the government disputes the figure.
With Rajoelina reportedly out of the country and parts of the army backing protesters, Madagascar faces its most volatile political moment in years.
