Madagascar’s President Flees to Safety Amid Crisis: Latest Updates

In response to escalating protests, Madagascar’s President Rajoelina has sought refuge at an undisclosed “safe location,” reportedly outside the country. In a speech, he addressed his nation with a plea for peace.

The President confirmed his relocation during a live broadcast on Facebook Monday evening, saying, “I was compelled to find a safe place to protect my life.”

Just days before, on Saturday, violent protests led by soldiers from the elite Capsat unit peaked in the capital, Antananarivo, demanding Rajoelina’s and several ministers’ resignation. The presidential office condemned these actions as an attempted coup.

Attempts to broadcast the President’s speech on national television were thwarted as soldiers allegedly tried to seize the broadcasting station, leading to postponement of his scheduled address.

President Rajoelina’s Call for Calm and Dialogue

During his address, Rajoelina spoke of recent assassination attempts and coup plots, implicating a coalition of politicians and military personnel. The 51-year-old leader urged the citizens of the island nation off East Africa’s coast to “respect the existing constitution.” He warned, “Failing to do so will only exacerbate poverty.” He later expressed his openness to dialogue to find a way out of the crisis.

Reports from French radio station RFI suggested that Rajoelina was airlifted out of the country on Sunday by a French military aircraft, under an arrangement with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron refrained from commenting on these reports but expressed “great concern” over the situation in Madagascar. Notably, Rajoelina was granted French citizenship in 2014.

The unrest, which began in late September, was fueled by tens of thousands of young demonstrators calling for Rajoelina’s resignation. The protests were initially triggered by power and water shortages, educational system deficiencies, high unemployment, and widespread poverty. While the protests started peacefully, they eventually led to violence, resulting in at least 22 fatalities.