Madagascar president flees to 'safe location', avoids resignation calls

Madagascar’s embattled President Andry Rajoelina stated on Monday that he is in a “safe place” following an attempt on his life, ignoring calls to resign amidst escalating unrest that has driven him into hiding.

In his first public address since a mutinous army unit backed anti-government protests, Rajoelina, 51, disclosed that since September 25, there have been assassination and coup attempts against him by a group of military personnel and politicians. He did not reveal his location.

The protests, primarily led by young demonstrators, began due to chronic power and water cuts but evolved into a broader movement demanding Rajoelina’s resignation. Despite this, the former mayor of Antananarivo called for constitutional respect and reiterated his mission to find solutions. Rajoelina first came to power in 2009 after a coup.

Radio France Internationale reported that Rajoelina left Madagascar on a French military plane, though this was not confirmed by French officials or President Emmanuel Macron. Rajoelina, absent from public view since Wednesday, had his address delayed twice on Monday as armed forces tried to seize the state broadcaster.

Defying Orders

Earlier, mutinous soldiers and security forces joined jubilant crowds in front of Antananarivo city hall, anticipating Rajoelina’s resignation. Soldiers from the army CAPSAT unit, key players in the 2009 coup, declared they would “refuse orders to shoot” at demonstrations. Gendarmerie officers, accused of heavy-handed tactics, admitted to “faults and excesses.”

The United Nations reported at least 22 deaths in the early days of protests, some caused by security forces and others by criminal gangs and looters. Rajoelina disputed this, claiming 12 confirmed deaths, all looters and vandals. Amid rising pressure, he pardoned eight individuals, including French-Malagasy dual national Paul Maillot Rafanoharana, sentenced in 2021 for an attempted coup.

Amid rumours of his flight, Rajoelina’s government affirmed his presence in Madagascar. Protesters expected his resignation. To address the crisis, Rajoelina sacked his entire government and the Senate dismissed its president, Richard Ravalomanana.

Madagascar, which gained independence from France in 1960, has faced a turbulent political history. The recent turmoil has drawn regional concern, with the African Union’s security council urging armed forces to adhere to their constitutional mandate and avoid political interference.