- President Andry Rajoelina has fled Madagascar after weeks of youth-led protests.
- Opposition and military sources confirm that parts of the army defected and joined demonstrators.
- At least 22 people have died since protests began over corruption and poor governance.
- An interim leader, Jean André Ndremanjary, has been appointed as political tension deepens.
- The president says he left for safety but vowed to protect the country from collapse.
Madagascar’s political crisis has deepened after President Andry Rajoelina fled the country following weeks of violent anti-government protests led mostly by young citizens.
Opposition figure Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko told Reuters that Rajoelina left on Sunday after key sections of the army turned against him and joined the protesters calling for his resignation.
“We called the presidency, and they confirmed that he left,” said Randrianasoloniaiko, noting that Rajoelina’s exact location remains unknown.
In a Facebook address on Monday night, Rajoelina confirmed that he had “moved to a safe location” for protection but insisted he would not allow Madagascar to fall into chaos.
Military sources told Reuters that the president was flown out on a French military aircraft after being transferred by helicopter to Sainte Marie airport. His destination was not disclosed.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, while speaking in Egypt, declined to confirm if France helped with the evacuation, but urged that constitutional order be respected.
The protests began on September 25, fueled by anger over water shortages, power cuts, and economic hardship. Over time, they grew into a nationwide movement against corruption and inequality.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have died since demonstrations began.
Rajoelina’s grip on power weakened sharply when CAPSAT, an elite army unit that once backed his 2009 coup, announced it would no longer fire on protesters and instead joined them. Soon after, the gendarmerie also switched sides, seizing command and aligning with the demonstrators.
As the unrest intensified, the president of the Senate close ally of Rajoelinawas removed from office. Lawmakers named Jean André Ndremanjary as the interim head of state under Madagascar’s constitution.
The opposition and youth groups are now calling for fresh elections and a transitional government to restore stability.
On Monday, thousands of young protesters filled Independence Square in the capital, Antananarivo, chanting, “The president must quit now.”
One demonstrator, Adrianarivony Fanomegantsoa, aged 22, said,
“For 16 years, they have enriched themselves while the people suffer.”
With three-quarters of the country living in poverty and a median age below 20, the youth say they are tired of being ignored by leaders who promise progress but deliver none.
Before fleeing, Rajoelina reportedly issued presidential pardons to several individuals, including two French nationals convicted of plotting a coup in 2021, likely one of his final acts in office.
Madagascar now faces a deep political vacuum, with its leadership divided and the military split. The coming weeks will determine whether the island nation transitions peacefully or slides further into turmoil.
