Madagascar President Fled Country Amid Military Rebellion
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar - In a late-night speech broadcast on social media, Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina claimed he fled the country in fear for his life due to an alleged military rebellion. However, he did not announce his resignation.
Rajoelina, 51, has faced weeks of protests led by Gen Z activists demanding his ouster. The situation escalated on Saturday when a elite military unit joined the protesters and called for Rajoelina's resignation. In response, Rajoelina stated that an "illegal attempt to seize power" was underway in the Indian Ocean island.
"I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life," Rajoelina said in his speech, which was also intended to be broadcast on Madagascar television but was delayed due to soldiers attempting to take control of state broadcaster buildings, according to the president's office. The speech was ultimately aired on the presidency's official Facebook page.
The military rebellion has raised concerns about the stability and security of the island nation. Analysts say Rajoelina's decision to flee may have been a strategic move to avoid further confrontation with the military.
"This is not a coup, but rather a correction of the system," said Jean-Michel Louboutin, a Madagascar-based analyst. "The military has long been dissatisfied with Rajoelina's leadership and his handling of the economy."
Rajoelina's presidency has been marked by controversy and criticism over his economic policies and human rights record. The protests have been ongoing for weeks, with demonstrators demanding better living conditions, jobs, and an end to corruption.
The current situation in Madagascar remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that Rajoelina's whereabouts are unknown. The military has taken control of key government buildings, and the country's parliament is expected to convene on Tuesday to discuss the crisis.
As the situation unfolds, international observers are monitoring the developments closely. The African Union and other regional organizations have issued statements calling for calm and restraint.
The fate of Rajoelina's presidency remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the people of Madagascar will continue to demand change and accountability from their leaders.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
