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Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has revealed he is in hiding at a “safe place” after what he claims was an attempt on his life, following weeks of mass protests calling for his resignation.
In a delayed Facebook Live address on Monday, Rajoelina, 51, alleged that “a group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me.” He did not disclose his location, but unconfirmed reports suggested he may have fled the country aboard a French military aircraft.
His statement comes amid escalating political turmoil on the island nation, where a youth-led protest movement, dubbed “Gen Z Mada”, has rocked the capital and beyond. Demonstrators, many of them young and unemployed, have been rallying for over two weeks against worsening living conditions, corruption, and prolonged power and water outages.
Failed Concessions and Escalating Tensions
In an attempt to defuse the unrest, Rajoelina earlier dismissed his entire cabinet and promised reforms — but these efforts failed to stem the growing calls for his departure. The protests intensified, with security forces accused of using live ammunition and tear gas against demonstrators.
The United Nations reports that at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured during the protests — figures the government has disputed. Eyewitnesses allege excessive force by security personnel, including the tragic death of a newborn from tear gas exposure.
Military Splits and Coup Rumblings
The crisis deepened over the weekend when CAPSAT, a powerful army unit that helped install Rajoelina during Madagascar’s 2009 political crisis, turned against him. The unit declared itself in command of the armed forces, with some officers even joining protesters in the streets of Antananarivo.
Following this, CAPSAT installed Gen. Demosthene Pikulas as the new Chief of Army Staff. In a statement on Monday, Pikulas assured the public that the security forces were united and working to maintain national order.
However, a senior figure in the opposition Tiako I Madagasikara (TIM) party told the BBC, on condition of anonymity, that Madagascar is now “effectively being run by the army unit,” suggesting a de facto military takeover.
The TIM party has since announced plans to launch impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for “abandonment of post.”
Power Vacuum and Fleeing Allies
Several close allies of the president, including former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and influential businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, have reportedly fled to neighbouring Mauritius. Rajoelina himself has not been seen in public since October 8.
In his online address, the president said:
“Since 25 September, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life. There is only one way to resolve these issues; that is to respect the constitution in force in the country.”
A Nation in Crisis
Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar remains one of the poorest nations in the world, with over 75% of the population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) notes that only about a third of the population has access to electricity — a key grievance fuelling the unrest.
What began as protests against utility failures quickly evolved into broader demands for change, as frustration over unemployment, rising living costs, and alleged corruption surged across the country.
A Controversial Political Figure
Rajoelina, a former entrepreneur and DJ, first rose to prominence during the 2009 uprising that ousted then-President Marc Ravalomanana. At 34, he became Africa’s youngest leader and later returned to power after winning the 2018 elections.
However, his popularity has since waned amid mounting accusations of cronyism and mismanagement.
With the military now fractured, the president in hiding, and the opposition mobilising, Madagascar stands at a crossroads — facing its most serious political crisis in over a decade.
