The island nation of Madagascar is once again facing political turmoil. Following weeks of mass protests and a military rebellion, several international media outlets have reported that President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country. However, the president himself claimed that he has only taken refuge in a safe location due to threats to his life.
In a video message posted late Monday night on social media, the 51-year-old Rajoelina said that a group of military officers and politicians had plotted to assassinate him. He stated that he relocated for his own safety but did not announce any resignation.
For the past two weeks, Madagascar has witnessed widespread protests led by the youth, known as the “Gen Z Mada” movement. What began as anger over water and electricity shortages soon expanded into demonstrations against corruption, unemployment, and the rising cost of living. In an attempt to quell the unrest, Rajoelina dissolved his cabinet, but protesters continued to demand his resignation.
The situation escalated further last Saturday when an elite military unit known as CAPSAT sided with the protesters and called for the president’s resignation. The same unit had helped bring Rajoelina to power in 2009. This time, the group declared itself the commander of the armed forces and appointed a new army chief.
A senior leader of the opposition TIM Party said that the military is now effectively running the country and is preparing to initiate impeachment proceedings against the president in his absence. Meanwhile, the newly appointed army chief, General Demosthène Piculus, stated that the security forces are working together to maintain national stability.
Several close associates of President Rajoelina, including former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, have reportedly taken refuge in neighboring Mauritius.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the restoration of constitutional order in Madagascar. While welcoming the demands and protests of the youth, he strongly condemned any attempt to seize power through military or foreign intervention. The African Union also denounced any unconstitutional change of government.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the start of the protests, though the government disputes these figures.
As the crisis unfolds, the world now watches closely to see whether Madagascar will follow a constitutional path or whether the military will consolidate power.