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Rajoelina, Andry

Madagascar's President Fled Amid Nationwide Protests and Military Tensions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country to protect his life, sparking concerns over the escalating situation amidst nationwide protests and military tensions. The protests, which began late last month, have grown increasingly violent, with at least 22 people killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, according to the United Nations. Rajoelina's departure has raised questions over the country's leadership and the fate of the ongoing protests.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Andry Rajoelina has fled Madagascar to protect his life, citing threats from armed forces and reports of his potential evacuation by France.
  • Nationwide protests, which began on September 25, have escalated into violent clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in at least 22 deaths, according to the United Nations.
  • The protests, initially sparked by water and power outages, have grown to encompass broader grievances including poverty, alleged government corruption, and the high cost of living.
  • A group of armed forces threatened to take control of the state-owned media, prompting a delay in Rajoelina's scheduled television address.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concern over the situation in Madagascar, but refused to confirm whether Rajoelina had been evacuated by France.
  • The military source stated that Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday on board a French Army Casa aircraft, after being brought to the Sainte Marie Airport by helicopter.
  • The army's elite CAPSAT unit, which played a key role in bringing Rajoelina to power in a 2009 coup, has taken control of the country's military.
  • Protesters continue to demand Rajoelina's resignation, with one protester, 24-year-old Finaritra Manitra Andrianamelasoa, stating that the president should "apologise and genuinely announce his resignation".
  • The situation in Madagascar follows a global trend of Gen Z protest movements, including in Nepal, which led to the removal of Nepalese President KP Sharma Oli in early September.

Statistics:

  • At least 22 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, according to the United Nations.
  • Protests began on September 25, 2025.
  • Rajoelina has been in power since a 2009 coup, which was supported by the CAPSAT unit.
  • The protests have grown in scope, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of the president, an end to poverty, and improved living conditions.
  • The protests have been compared to the Gen Z protest movements in Nepal, which led to the removal of the country's president in early September 2025.

Sources:

  • "Madagascar's President to address nation as protesters call for new rallies" by Al Jazeera (October 13, 2025)
  • "France concerned over Madagascar, but won't confirm evacuation" by Reuters (October 13, 2025)
  • "Protesters in Madagascar demand president's resignation" by AFP (October 13, 2025)

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