Madagascar President Fled Country After Losing Key Army Unit's Support
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) - In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina fled the country on Monday evening, just hours before he was scheduled to address the nation. According to French state radio RFI, Rajoelina had been flown out of the capital, Antananarivo, on a French military aircraft after a deal with President Emmanuel Macron.
The move comes as Rajoelina's popularity has waned in recent weeks due to his handling of corruption and economic issues. The Elite Capsat unit, a key army division that played a significant role in Rajoelina's rise to presidency in 2023, had joined the growing protests against corruption and government mismanagement.
RFI reported that Rajoelina may have headed for Dubai, but this has not been confirmed by officials. A statement from the presidency on Facebook earlier Monday announced that Rajoelina would address the nation at 7 pm (1600 GMT), but it is unclear whether he will be able to fulfill this commitment.
Rajoelina's departure has sparked mixed reactions among Malagasy citizens and politicians. Some have welcomed his exit, citing his failure to address corruption and economic stagnation. "The people are finally free from the grip of a corrupt leader," said Jean-Luc Rakotomalala, a prominent opposition figure. "We hope that this marks the beginning of a new era for Madagascar."
Others have expressed concern about the implications of Rajoelina's departure on the country's stability and governance. "This is a worrying development for our nation," said Dr. Tiana Ramahavelo, a political scientist at the University of Antananarivo. "We need to ensure that there is a smooth transition of power and that the democratic process is respected."
Rajoelina, 51, was first president from 2009 to 2014 before returning to power in 2023. His presidency has been marked by controversy and criticism over his handling of corruption, economic issues, and human rights abuses.
The current situation in Madagascar remains fluid, with the country's parliament and military leadership yet to comment on Rajoelina's departure. As the nation grapples with the implications of this sudden turn of events, one thing is clear: the future of Madagascar hangs in the balance.
AP writers contributed to this report from Antananarivo, Madagascar, and Paris, France.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
