2LT International News

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar: Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina said late on October 13 that he fled the country “to protect his life” following a military rebellion, but stopped short of resigning. His address, broadcast on social media from an undisclosed location, came hours after an elite military unit joined weeks of Gen Z-led protests demanding his ouster.

Rajoelina denounced what he called an “illegal attempt to seize power” and urged dialogue to resolve the crisis, insisting that the constitution must be respected. His recorded speech was delayed for hours after soldiers reportedly tried to seize Madagascar’s state broadcaster buildings, according to his office, and was eventually streamed only on his official Facebook page.

It was his first public statement since the elite CAPSAT unit defected and joined thousands of protesters in Antananarivo over the weekend — a dramatic escalation in demonstrations that began in late September over power and water shortages but have since grown into a broad movement against his rule.

Rajoelina did not say how or where he fled, though reports claimed he was evacuated on a French military plane. France, Madagascar’s former colonial ruler, declined to comment. Rajoelina’s French citizenship has long been a source of resentment among some Madagascans.