Madagascar’s political landscape has been thrown into chaos following reports that President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country amidst intensifying, youth-led protests calling for his resignation. The development follows a volatile weekend marked by military defections and the takeover of the armed forces command by an elite army unit.
The crisis came to a head on Monday when Rajoelina abruptly postponed a scheduled national address, citing a threat from soldiers to seize state television, according to the presidency. Siteny Randrianasolonaiko, the leader of the opposition in parliament, told Reuters that the president left Madagascar on Sunday after army units joined the protesters. This was reportedly confirmed by the presidency staff.
Citing a military source, Reuters reported that Rajoelina flew out on a French military aircraft, suggesting a deal was struck with French President Emmanuel Macron. Furthermore, the Mauritian government confirmed that Christian Ntsay, Rajoelina’s former prime minister, and a close businessman, Maminiaina Ravatomanga, also flew to Mauritius “urgently” on Sunday.
Hours after the president’s office warned of an “attempt to seize power illegally,” the CAPSAT, an elite army unit, announced it had assumed control of the military command, including all land, air, and naval forces. This declaration came after soldiers were seen openly fraternizing with and being cheered by anti-government protesters in Antananarivo, signaling a decisive shift in military allegiance against the President. Rajoelina, who has not been seen in public since last Wednesday, had earlier warned of an ongoing plot to grab power. The events mark a dramatic and immediate escalation in the three-week-long political upheaval in the Indian Ocean nation.
