By Desmond Nleya
French aircraft reportedly evacuated the president as military units defect and demonstrators demand his resignation
President Andry Rajoelina has fled Madagascar to an undisclosed safe location amid intensifying nationwide protests that have left at least 22 people dead.
In a live Facebook address on Monday, Rajoelina confirmed he had left to “protect his life” following widespread reports that he was evacuated from the country on Sunday. A military source told Reuters that the 51-year-old leader was flown out on a French Army Casa aircraft from Sainte Marie Airport, after being transported there by helicopter.
The president’s departure followed a dramatic weekend in which elite army units defected, accusing him of attempting to cling to power. Rajoelina condemned the defections as “an attempt to seize power illegally and by force.” Hours later, the powerful CAPSAT unit — instrumental in Rajoelina’s 2009 coup — announced it had taken control of the military, stating it would “refuse orders to shoot” demonstrators.
Rajoelina’s planned televised address was delayed after armed forces threatened to seize the state broadcaster. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking from a summit in Egypt, expressed “great concern” over the situation but declined to confirm France’s role in the evacuation.
The protests, which began on September 25 over water and power shortages, have since escalated into a broader movement against rising living costs, poverty, and alleged government corruption. On Monday, hundreds of protesters — joined by sections of the military — rallied outside Antananarivo’s city hall demanding Rajoelina’s resignation and honoring those killed in the unrest.
“I hope the president will apologise and genuinely announce his resignation,” said 24-year-old protester Finaritra Manitra Andrianamelasoa. “Afterwards, we can consider organising elections and determine who will be suitable to take the leadership role.”
Madagascar’s crisis echoes a wave of youth-led protest movements across the globe, following similar events in Nepal that led to the ousting of President KP Sharma Oli in September.
