Madagascar’s ousted president, Andry Rajoelina, has confirmed for the first time that he fled the country between October 11 and 12, following “explicit and extremely serious threats” to his life.
The presidency issued a statement late Wednesday revealing that Rajoelina departed amid escalating political unrest and demonstrations that have plunged the island nation into crisis.
Reports indicate that Rajoelina was evacuated aboard a French military plane on Sunday. On Monday, he stated that he had taken refuge in a “safe place” without providing further details. The ousted president accused the National Assembly of colluding with the military to remove him from office.
The political turmoil intensified when the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach Rajoelina, citing desertion of duty. Shortly thereafter, an elite military unit known as CAPSAT seized control of the Presidential Palace and declared Colonel Michael Randrianirina as interim president. Randrianirina announced the dissolution of all state institutions except the National Assembly and pledged to hold elections within 18 to 24 months. The African Union has suspended Madagascar, demanding a return to civilian governance.
Despite the coup, Rajoelina has refused to officially resign, denouncing the takeover as illegitimate. The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring developments.
