In a dramatic turn Impeached Madagascar President Rajoelina Confirms Fleeing Country Amid Military Coup events, Madagascar’s impeached President Andry Rajoelina has confirmed that he fled the country over the weekend following a military-led coup and escalating threats to his life. The announcement comes amid a deepening political crisis that has gripped the island nation for weeks.
In a statement released late Wednesday, the presidency revealed that Rajoelina departed Madagascar between October 11 and 12 after receiving “explicit and extremely serious threats” against his life. The threats coincided with a scheduled overseas mission, prompting his evacuation aboard a French military aircraft.
Rajoelina, speaking from an undisclosed location, stated, “I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” emphasizing that the situation had become untenable due to the rebellion within the armed forces and the National Assembly’s alleged collusion in his removal.
The crisis escalated when an elite military unit joined Gen Z-led anti-government protests, demanding the resignation of Rajoelina and other top officials. On Monday, soldiers reportedly attempted to seize control of state broadcaster facilities, delaying the president’s televised address, which was eventually streamed via the presidency’s official Facebook page.
Following Rajoelina’s departure, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, leader of the mutinous faction, announced that the military had taken control and dissolved all state institutions except the National Assembly. Randrianirina is expected to be sworn in as interim president in the coming days.
The African Union has responded by suspending Madagascar’s membership, citing the unconstitutional change of government. Meanwhile, international observers are closely monitoring the situation, urging restraint and a return to democratic order.