Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina Flees Amid Youth-Led Uprising, Backed by Army Defections

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has fled the island nation, according to statements from the parliamentary opposition leader, a military official, and a foreign diplomat on Monday.

This marks the second instance in just over a month where young demonstrators have ousted a government amid a global wave of Gen Z-driven unrest.

Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the opposition head in parliament, informed Reuters that Rajoelina departed Madagascar on Sunday following defections by army units that aligned with the protesters. "We contacted the presidential staff, and they verified his exit from the country," Randrianasoloniaiko stated, noting that the president's current location remains undisclosed. The presidential office failed to respond to inquiries for comment.

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In a late-Monday Facebook address to the nation, Rajoelina explained that he had relocated to a secure site to safeguard his safety. He refrained from revealing his position but struck a resolute tone, vowing not to "permit the destruction of Madagascar." A diplomatic contact indicated post-speech that Rajoelina was rejecting calls to resign.

A military insider revealed to agencies that Rajoelina evacuated the former French colony aboard a French military plane on Sunday. French broadcaster RFI reported that he had negotiated an agreement with President Emmanuel Macron. Speaking from Egypt after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage summit, Macron stated he could not yet verify claims of French assistance in Rajoelina's escape. He stressed the need to uphold Madagascar's constitutional framework, acknowledging the validity of youth frustrations while cautioning against their manipulation by military elements.

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The source detailed that a French Army Casa plane touched down at Sainte Marie airport in Madagascar on Sunday. "Within five minutes, a helicopter transported its passenger onto the aircraft," the insider added, identifying the individual as Rajoelina.

Protests ignited across the country on September 25 due to acute water and electricity shortages, but swiftly broadened into a revolt against systemic issues like corruption, ineffective administration, and inadequate public services. This fury echoes recent anti-elite movements in places like Nepal—where the prime minister stepped down last month—and Morocco.