Madagascar leader alerts of coup attempt as he stay in ‘safe place’

(MENAFN) Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has announced that he is sheltering in a “safe place” following what he described as an assassination plot, amid weeks of nationwide protests demanding his resignation.

In a live Facebook broadcast, the 51-year-old leader said, "a group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me." He did not disclose his precise location, though unverified reports suggested he may have left the country aboard a French military aircraft.

The unrest stems from a fortnight of demonstrations, largely led by young people known as “Gen Z Mada,” calling for Rajoelina’s departure. His attempts to appease protesters—including dismissing his government and offering concessions—failed to quell the unrest.

Rajoelina has been absent from public view since Wednesday. Over the weekend, his office warned of efforts to forcibly remove him from power. During Monday’s delayed broadcast, he stressed: "Since 25 September, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me. I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life. There is only one way to resolve these issues; that is to respect the constitution in force in the country."

The crisis intensified as CAPSAT, a powerful military unit instrumental in bringing Rajoelina to power in 2009, declared itself in command of the armed forces. Some officers joined street protests in the capital, Antananarivo. Following a meeting of commanders, Gen. Demosthene Pikulas, CAPSAT’s newly installed Chief of Army Staff, assured the public that security forces were cooperating to maintain order. By Monday evening, he was reportedly at the state TV headquarters to help manage the situation.

A senior opposition leader from Madagascar’s TIM party told reports that the country is effectively being run by the military unit. TIM has announced plans to pursue impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for “abandonment of post.” Several members of Rajoelina’s inner circle, including former Prime Minister Richard Ravalomanana and businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, have fled to Mauritius.

Despite its natural wealth, Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest nations. Around 75% of the population lives below the poverty line, and just over one-third have access to electricity.

The protests began over repeated water and power cuts but quickly escalated to broader grievances against high unemployment, corruption, and rising living costs. According to UN figures, at least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured during the initial demonstrations, though the government has rejected these numbers. Eyewitnesses reported security forces using live ammunition, and in one tragic case, a newborn died from tear gas exposure.

Madagascar has a history of political instability, with multiple uprisings since independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that ousted then-President Marc Ravalomanana and installed Rajoelina in power.

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