MADAGASCAR IN TURMOIL: PRESIDENT RAJOELINA FLEES AS SOLDIERS JOIN PROTESTS, ARMY TAKES CONTROL

In a dramatic twist that has thrown Madagascar into chaos, President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country as parts of the military joined massive anti-government protests sweeping the Indian Ocean nation.

The embattled president, who has not been seen in public for nearly a week, was scheduled to address the nation at 17:30 GMT on Monday. However, the presidency abruptly postponed the broadcast, citing threats from mutinous soldiers who had vowed to seize the state television station.

According to Reuters, opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko confirmed that Rajoelina fled Madagascar on Sunday after key army units defected and declared allegiance to the protesters.

> “We contacted officials from the presidency, and they confirmed he has left the country,” Randrianasoloniaiko told Reuters.



Citing a military source, Reuters further reported that Rajoelina was flown out on a French military aircraft, with French radio RFI disclosing that he had reached an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron to facilitate his safe exit.

In a related development, former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and influential businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, a close ally of the president, also fled to Mauritius “urgently” on Sunday, a statement confirmed by the Mauritian government.

Before fleeing, Rajoelina had accused certain factions within the military of plotting a coup, warning of an “illegal attempt to seize power by force.” However, within hours, CAPSAT, the elite army unit responsible for presidential security, announced it had taken over command of the nation’s armed forces — including the land, air, and naval divisions.

Scenes of jubilation and disbelief filled the streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, on Sunday as uniformed soldiers marched alongside thousands of demonstrators chanting anti-government slogans and calling for a new beginning.

“This is no longer just a protest — it’s a revolution,” one youth leader told reporters amid the roaring crowds.

The uprising, initially sparked by anger over crippling power outages, water shortages, corruption, and the high cost of living, has evolved into a nationwide movement — dubbed “Gen Z Madagascar.”

The United Nations has so far recorded at least 22 deaths since the protests began, though civic groups claim the toll is much higher.

Observers warn that the situation could spiral further if a power vacuum persists. “The country is teetering between a full-blown military takeover and a fragile attempt at civilian negotiation,” a regional analyst told Daily Trust.

For now, Madagascar stands at a perilous crossroads — a nation on the brink, uncertain of who truly holds power.