Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina says he is sheltering in a “safe place” following what he described as an assassination and coup attempt against him.
In a live Facebook address on Monday, the 51-year-old leader claimed that “a group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me,” adding that he was forced into hiding to protect his life.
Rajoelina’s exact location remains unknown, though reports suggest he may have fled the country aboard a French military aircraft. His statement came after two weeks of mass protests led by young demonstrators, known as “Gen Z Mada,” demanding his resignation over worsening living conditions, corruption, and power outages.
The unrest has plunged the Indian Ocean nation into turmoil. Over the weekend, CAPSAT — an influential army unit that helped Rajoelina seize power in 2009 — declared itself in control of the armed forces, with some officers joining protesters in the streets of Antananarivo.
The newly installed army chief, Gen. Demosthene Pikulas, said the military was working to “maintain order,” but reports indicate that CAPSAT now effectively controls the country.
The opposition TIM party has accused Rajoelina of “abandoning his post” and announced plans to initiate impeachment proceedings.
Several members of the president’s inner circle, including former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, are reported to have fled to Mauritius.
Protests that began over water and power cuts have expanded into broader demonstrations against economic hardship and alleged government corruption. According to the UN, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured, though the government disputes these figures.
Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations despite its rich natural resources, has a long history of political instability. Rajoelina, who first came to power in 2009 at age 34 after a coup, was re-elected in 2018 — but now faces the gravest threat to his rule yet.
