Madagascar's President Rajoelina Flees Amid Military Rebellion

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country amid a military rebellion and escalating anti-government protests. In a speech broadcast on social media late Monday from an undisclosed location, Rajoelina stated, "I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life."

The unrest began on September 25, with demonstrations over chronic water and electricity outages evolving into broader discontent with Rajoelina's administration. The situation intensified when the elite CAPSAT military unit joined the protests, calling for the president and government ministers to step down. Rajoelina described these events as an "illegal attempt to seize power."

In his address, Rajoelina called for dialogue "to find a way out of this situation" and emphasized the need to respect the constitution. He did not disclose his current location, but reports suggest he may have been flown out on a French military plane. The French Foreign Ministry declined to comment on these reports.

The CAPSAT unit, instrumental in Rajoelina's rise to power in a 2009 military-backed coup, now claims control over Madagascar's armed forces. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a CAPSAT commander, stated that the army had "responded to the people's calls" but denied orchestrating a coup. He indicated that the future course of action, including potential elections, should be determined by the Madagascan people.

The United Nations reports that the protests have resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries, criticizing the government's response as excessively violent. The U.S. Embassy in Madagascar has advised American citizens to shelter in place due to the "highly volatile and unpredictable" situation. The African Union has urged all parties to exercise calm and restraint.