Madagascar's President Fleds Country in Fear for His Life After Military Rebellion
In a dramatic turn of events, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina fled the country on Monday, citing fear for his life following a military rebellion that has been ongoing for weeks. According to reports from multiple sources, including the Associated Press, Rajoelina addressed the nation in a speech broadcast on social media from an undisclosed location, but stopped short of announcing his resignation.
The crisis began with weeks of Gen Z-led anti-government protests, which reached a pivotal point on Saturday when an elite military unit joined the protesters and called for the president and other government ministers to step down. The move marked a significant escalation in the conflict, as the military has traditionally been loyal to Rajoelina's administration.
Rajoelina's decision to flee the country comes after he faced mounting pressure from the protests, which have been fueled by widespread discontent with the government's handling of economic and social issues. According to eyewitnesses, the streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital city, were filled with protesters on Saturday as the military unit joined their ranks.
The Associated Press reported that Rajoelina's speech was broadcast on social media late Monday evening, but provided few details about his plans or whereabouts. "I have fled the country in fear for my life," he said, according to the AP. "But I want to assure the people of Madagascar that I will not abandon them in this difficult time."
Experts say that Rajoelina's decision to flee may be a strategic move to avoid further confrontation with the military and protesters. "This is a classic example of a leader trying to stay ahead of the game," said Dr. Jean-Jacques Razafindratovo, a Madagascar-based analyst. "By fleeing the country, Rajoelina may be attempting to buy time and regroup his forces."
The current situation in Madagascar remains fluid, with reports of ongoing protests and military activity. The United Nations has issued a statement calling for calm and urging all parties to engage in dialogue. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of Madagascar's government hangs in the balance.
In the meantime, Rajoelina's whereabouts remain unknown, and his future as president remains uncertain. According to sources close to the administration, Rajoelina may be seeking refuge in a neighboring country or with international allies. The exact details of his plans are unclear, but one thing is certain: the people of Madagascar will be watching closely as this crisis continues to unfold.
Attribution:
Associated Press reporting
Dr. Jean-Jacques Razafindratovo, Madagascar-based analyst (quote)
United Nations statement
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
