Madagascar’s Impeached President Rajoelina Confirms Escape After Military Coup

Madagascar’s ousted president, Andry Rajoelina, has confirmed that he fled the country following the military coup that toppled his government and thrust the Indian Ocean island nation into deep political crisis.

In an official statement issued late Wednesday and transmitted to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Malagasy presidency said Rajoelina left the country between October 11 and 12 after “explicit and extremely serious threats” were made against his life. The statement revealed that the threats emerged just as the president was preparing to embark on an international mission.

According to multiple media reports, Rajoelina was evacuated aboard a French military aircraft amid growing unrest in the capital, Antananarivo. On Monday, the 51-year-old leader confirmed his escape, disclosing only that he was now in a “safe place,” though he declined to reveal his exact location.

The coup, which unfolded after weeks of nationwide demonstrations, has been attributed to widespread frustration among citizens over the worsening living conditions in the country. The protests mainly driven by young people and Gen Z activists, erupted on September 25, fuelled by the government’s failure to provide basic necessities such as clean water and stable electricity.

In the aftermath of the coup, military officers declared that their leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, would be sworn in as Madagascar’s new president on Friday. The officers justified their action by accusing Rajoelina’s administration of “incompetence, corruption, and neglect of the people’s welfare.”

Rajoelina, who has long been a controversial figure in Madagascar’s politics, denounced the move as an illegal seizure of power. He accused the National Assembly of colluding with the military to orchestrate his impeachment and overthrow. The former president, who first ascended to power in 2009 after a military-backed coup, had faced increasing public anger over inflation, corruption scandals, and persistent infrastructure failures.

The international community has reacted strongly to the unfolding events. The United Nations described the military intervention as “unconstitutional” and called for the immediate restoration of democratic order. Similarly, the African Union announced Madagascar’s suspension from the continental body with immediate effect, condemning the coup and warning against the normalization of military takeovers in Africa.

Madagascar now joins a growing list of African nations that have fallen under military rule since 2020, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea. All of them share historical ties with France, a fact that has reignited debates over foreign influence and postcolonial governance in the region.

The situation in Madagascar remains volatile, with uncertainty surrounding the country’s political future. Observers warn that unless dialogue and constitutional order are swiftly restored, the island nation could face prolonged instability and economic isolation.