Madagascar’s President Andry Nirina Rajoelina has fled the country amid ongoing Gen-Z–led protests and rising public anger. He reportedly left on Sunday (October 12), and his departure was officially confirmed on Monday.
For the past several weeks, massive demonstrations demanding Rajoelina’s resignation have been sweeping across the country, largely led by young protesters. His sudden departure has now added a new dimension to the nation’s deepening political unrest.
Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniako confirmed Rajoelina’s exit to Reuters, saying that officials from the president’s office had verified the news. However, he added that Rajoelina’s current whereabouts remain unknown.
Recently, Rajoelina lost the support of a key faction within the military. In response, he accused those officers of plotting a coup against him.
According to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP), Rajoelina—who obtained French citizenship in 2014—was flown out of Madagascar aboard a French military aircraft under a special agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Meanwhile, the president’s office announced that Rajoelina would deliver a national address on Monday at 7 p.m. local time (11 p.m. Bangladesh time).
Analysts say the president’s flight from the country has escalated Madagascar’s political crisis. Widespread protests over corruption, unemployment, and economic stagnation have now evolved into one of the nation’s most serious political upheavals in recent years.