Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country as protests demanding his resignation intensify.
Rajoelina had been scheduled to address the nation at 17:30 GMT on Monday, but the speech was postponed after soldiers threatened to seize state television, according to the presidency. This marks the second time his address has been delayed, and he has not been seen publicly since last Wednesday.
Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko told Reuters that Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday after segments of the army defected to join the protesters. “We called the staff of the presidency, and they confirmed that he left the country,” he said.
A military source told Reuters that Rajoelina departed on a French military aircraft, with French radio RFI reporting that he had reached an agreement with President Emmanuel Macron. Christian Ntsay, Rajoelina’s former prime minister, and businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, a close ally of the president, also flew to Mauritius on Sunday, confirmed the Mauritian government.
Before leaving, Rajoelina warned of an ongoing plot to seize power illegally as soldiers joined youth-led demonstrations. Hours later, CAPSAT, an elite army unit, announced it had assumed control of the military command, including all land, air, and naval forces.
In Antananarivo, soldiers marched alongside jubilant protesters, demonstrating support for the demonstrations. This occurred just hours after the presidency issued a warning about an attempted illegal power grab.
Despite the tense standoff, no immediate violence was reported, leaving the loyalty of the military uncertain and Madagascar’s political situation unresolved.
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