What is happening in Madagascar? President flees country after alleged assassination attempt amid mass protests and military unrest

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has confirmed he is in a “safe place” following an assassination attempt that has added to weeks of escalating political turmoil in the Indian Ocean nation. The 51-year-old leader, facing intense youth-led protests demanding his resignation, appeared in a rare live address on Facebook Monday but did not reveal his exact location.

According to multiple reports, Rajoelina fled Madagascar on Sunday aboard a French army aircraft after the military declared its backing for the protest movement. While speculation swirled about his whereabouts, government sources and military insiders confirmed his departure from the country amid a volatile power struggle.

In his address, delayed twice due to armed forces attempting to seize control of the state media, Rajoelina appealed for constitutional resolution to the crisis and expressed his ongoing commitment to finding solutions despite the threat to his life. “I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life today. In all this, I never stop looking for solutions,” he declared.
The president’s absence since Wednesday had raised concerns about his safety and political future as protests swept Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo and other cities. Demonstrators have voiced grievances over economic hardship and alleged government corruption, intensifying calls for Rajoelina to step down.

The military’s shift in allegiance to the protesters marks a critical turning point, diminishing the president’s grip over the state and signaling a potential power transition amid instability. This development follows weeks of clashes between security forces and demonstrators, heightening fears of escalating violence or a coup.

Rajoelina emphasized the importance of constitutional mechanisms to address the crisis, implicitly rejecting extrajudicial power grabs or forced removals. Analysts suggest the president’s flight and current safety underscore the fragile balance of power and uncertainty over Madagascar’s political trajectory.The situation remains highly fluid, with political leaders, civil society groups, and international observers closely monitoring developments. The United Nations has urged dialogue and restraint to safeguard democracy and prevent further violence.Madagascar, one of Africa’s poorest countries, is grappling with deep-rooted challenges including economic inequality, institutional weaknesses, and recurrent political instability. The latest crisis underscores the precarious state of governance and the urgent need for peaceful conflict resolution.