14.10.2025 09:58
It was claimed that Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina left the country following weeks of protests and the military's support for the demonstrators. Although Rajoelina did not confirm that he was abroad, he stated, "I had to find a safe place to protect my life."
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Protests that began in Madagascar in September in response to water and electricity outages quickly turned into a mass movement against corruption and mismanagement, leading to a political crisis in the country.
Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko claimed that he left the country on Sunday, one day before the expected national address by Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, and that his current whereabouts are unknown.
According to local media reports, Randrianasoloniaiko stated, "We contacted the presidential staff, and they confirmed that Rajoelina has left the country," while military sources indicated that Rajoelina departed Madagascar on Sunday aboard a Casa-type aircraft belonging to the French military.
"I HAD TO FIND A SAFE PLACE"
Rajoelina, while not confirming that he is abroad in a statement made via the social media platform Facebook, said, "I had to find a safe place to protect my life. Despite all this, I will never give up searching for a solution."
22 PEOPLE DIED IN PROTESTS
Protests against water and electricity outages began in Madagascar in September, with actions quickly becoming a mass response to corruption and mismanagement, heavily supported by the youth. At least 22 people lost their lives in clashes between security forces and protesters.
THE MILITARY GAVE SUPPORT TO THE PROTESTERS
The elite military unit CAPSAT, which played a critical role in the 2009 coup, announced last weekend that it "refused to open fire on the protesters." Following these developments, the military appointed General Demosthene Pikulas as the new chief of staff. Additionally, the Senate removed the Senate President, who was acting in the absence of the president according to the constitution, and replaced him with Jean André Ndremanjary.
RAJOELINA HAD ACCUSED OF A COUP ATTEMPT
Rajoelina's office stated that the military had initiated an "illegal and forceful attempt to seize power," adding, "Due to the extremely serious nature of the situation, we strongly condemn this destabilization attempt and call on all forces of the country to unite to defend constitutional order and national sovereignty."
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