Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina is sheltering in a “safe place” following assassination and coup attempts amid weeks of nationwide protests led by young demonstrators. CAPSAT, a powerful army unit, has asserted control over the armed forces, while several government allies fled to Mauritius. The unrest stems from dissatisfaction over corruption, unemployment, and service disruptions. Madagascar has a history of uprisings, and Rajoelina, once Africa’s youngest leader, now faces mounting political crisis.
Madagascar’s embattled President Andry Rajoelina has said he is sheltering in a “safe place” following an assassination attempt, after weeks of protests demanding his resignation.
In a live Facebook broadcast, Rajoelina, 51, claimed that “a group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me.” He did not disclose his exact location, though unconfirmed reports earlier suggested he had fled the country aboard a French military aircraft.
The announcement comes after two weeks of nationwide protests, largely led by young demonstrators calling themselves “Gen Z Mada,” aimed at ousting him from power. Despite Rajoelina’s repeated efforts to appease the protesters—including sacking his entire government and making other concessions—his attempts failed.
Rajoelina has not been seen publicly since Wednesday. Over the weekend, his office confirmed there was an ongoing attempt to force him from office. His address to the nation on Monday was delayed multiple times amid chaos, as soldiers threatened to seize the state TV headquarters in Antananarivo.
In the broadcast, Rajoelina said, “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.”
Over the weekend, CAPSAT—a powerful army unit that helped bring Rajoelina to power in 2009—moved against him, declaring itself in command of all armed forces. Some officers even joined protesters in the capital streets. Following a Monday meeting of military commanders, the new Chief of Army Staff installed by CAPSAT, Gen Demosthene Pikulas, assured the public that security forces were working together to maintain order. By Monday evening, he was at state TV headquarters trying to resolve the crisis, according to a presidential statement.
A senior TIM opposition leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the BBC that Madagascar was now effectively being run by CAPSAT. The TIM party has also announced plans to bring 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 nearby Mauritius.
Madagascar, despite its abundant natural resources, remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Around 75% of the population lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank, and IMF data shows only slightly over a third of citizens have access to electricity.
The protests began over repeated water and power cuts but quickly expanded to express widespread dissatisfaction with Rajoelina’s government over unemployment, corruption, and the rising cost of living. At least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured in the first few days of protests, according to UN reports, though the government has rejected these figures. Eyewitnesses said security forces fired live ammunition at protesters, and in one case, a newborn died from smoke inhalation after tear gas exposure.
Madagascar has experienced multiple uprisings since gaining independence in 1960, including mass protests in 2009 that forced then-President Marc Ravalomanana to resign and brought Rajoelina to power. At just 34, Rajoelina became Africa’s youngest leader, serving four years before returning to office after the 2018 election.
Born into wealth, Rajoelina initially built a reputation as an entrepreneur and DJ, establishing a radio station and an advertising company. However, his early popularity waned as allegations of cronyism and entrenched corruption became widespread.