Madagascar’s political crisis deepened on Sunday as President Andry Rajoelina fled the country amid escalating youth-led protests that have paralysed the island nation. Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko announced the president’s departure on Monday, saying key sections of the military had defected to join demonstrators demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.
According to Reuters, Rajoelina left Madagascar aboard a French military aircraft from Sainte Marie airport, reportedly under an arrangement brokered with French President Emmanuel Macron. The presidency, which had earlier announced that Rajoelina would address the nation on Monday evening, has not issued any official statement confirming or denying his whereabouts.
The protests, which began on 25 September over persistent power and water shortages, have evolved into a nationwide movement against corruption, economic hardship, and political inequality. Demonstrators, largely composed of young people frustrated by years of declining living standards, have filled the streets of major cities, demanding a change in leadership and accountability from those in power.
Tensions escalated sharply over the weekend after CAPSAT, an elite army unit that helped Rajoelina seize power during Madagascar’s 2009 coup, joined the protesters. Sections of the gendarmerie also declared their support for the demonstrators, further eroding the president’s control over the security apparatus. Military sources told Reuters that the president’s departure was the culmination of frantic negotiations following the military defections.
At least 22 people have died since the demonstrations began, according to local media reports, while dozens have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces. The unrest marks the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since he returned to power in 2019 after a controversial election marred by allegations of irregularities.
Observers say the crisis underscores growing discontent over Madagascar’s persistent poverty and fragile governance. Despite being rich in natural resources, the country of roughly 30 million people remains one of the poorest in the world, with widespread unemployment and limited access to essential services.
Analysts warn that Rajoelina’s apparent flight could plunge the country into a dangerous power vacuum. With parts of the military siding with protesters and no clear succession plan in place, fears are mounting of further instability or a possible military takeover. The opposition has called for calm, urging demonstrators to avoid violence and vowing to pursue a political transition through constitutional means.
International reactions remain cautious, with France — Madagascar’s former colonial power — yet to publicly comment on the alleged evacuation deal. Regional bodies, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are expected to issue statements in the coming days as they monitor developments.
As the situation unfolds, many in Madagascar are watching anxiously to see whether the fall of Rajoelina’s government will pave the way for genuine reform or deepen the cycle of political turbulence that has characterised the country’s recent history.
