Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country and is now in hiding after a military unit joined widespread youth-led protests and effectively turned against his government, officials and news agencies report.
In a speech shared on Facebook from an undisclosed “safe place,” Rajoelina expressed that he was forced to leave due to threats to his life but refused to resign. He described what was happening as an “illegal power grab,” and called for dialogue while urging constitutional order.
The crisis escalated after CAPSAT, an elite military unit formerly loyal to the president, announced it would no longer follow orders and sided with protesters demanding his resignation. CAPSAT claimed control over the military and announced replacement officers; the move was accepted by Madagascar’s Defense Minister.
Sources say Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday, October 12, 2025, aboard a French military aircraft, though the destination remains undisclosed. French authorities have declined to confirm their involvement.
On Tuesday, October 14, Rajoelina issued a decree dissolving the National Assembly in an attempt to preempt planned impeachment proceedings against him, further deepening the country’s constitutional crisis. Several parliamentarians were already discussing moves to remove the president when the decree came.
The protests began on September 25 over chronic water and electricity outages, but quickly broadened into mass demonstrations over corruption, economic hardship, and governance failures. At least 22 people have been reported killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, per United Nations and other sources.
The situation remains fast evolving. The African Union, France, and neighboring nations have all called for restraint and respect for constitutional order.
