Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly left the country after losing support from sections of the military and facing weeks of large-scale, youth-driven demonstrations demanding his resignation.
Sources close to the presidency confirmed that Rajoelina departed on Sunday evening, reportedly aboard a French military aircraft under an arrangement with French authorities. His departure follows rising tension between the government and the armed forces, with Rajoelina accusing some officers of attempting a coup.
Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko told local media that staff at the presidential office confirmed the president’s exit, though his exact location remains unclear.
“The president left the country last night. We contacted his office, and they confirmed his departure,” Randrianasoloniaiko said.
Rajoelina, who has held power since 2019, was already under mounting pressure from a wave of youth-led protests that began several weeks ago. Demonstrators, many of them from the so-called “Gen Z” movement, have been calling for greater accountability, improved living standards, and new leadership.
French media reports suggested that Rajoelina, who obtained French citizenship in 2014, is expected to address the nation from abroad later on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, reports from Antananarivo indicate that sections of the military and protesters celebrated his departure, with crowds gathering in the capital’s main square chanting slogans for political change.
In response to the unfolding situation, the African Union Commission (AUC) convened an urgent session of its Peace and Security Council. The AUC Chairperson expressed deep concern over the developments, reaffirming the Union’s rejection of any unconstitutional change of government and urging all parties to maintain restraint and seek dialogue.
The AUC also pledged to work alongside the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Indian Ocean Commission to help facilitate a peaceful and inclusive resolution to Madagascar’s crisis.
As the nation awaits Rajoelina’s promised address, uncertainty remains over Madagascar’s political direction and who will assume leadership in his absence.