13.10.2025
Following protests by youths and backed by the army on Sunday, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has fled to France.
According to Radio France International this followed an agreement between him and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The youth-led protests that began on September 25 over severe shortages of water and electricity, poverty, alleged corruption; they called for Rajoelina’s resignation. The unrest led to government reshuffles, including the dissolution of the Cabinet and appointment of a new prime minister.
On Saturday, troops from the Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), a military unit instrumental in Rajoelina’s rise to power through a 2009 coup, declared its support for the protests.
On Sunday, CAPSAT installed a new military chief, hours after Rajoelina denounced its support for the protests as “an attempt to seize power illegally.”
Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko told the Reuters news agency Mr Rajoelina left the country on Sunday after units of the army joined the protesters.
He added that members of the National Assembly are also set to begin impeachment proceedings against the 51-year-old.
On Monday, Madagascar’s Senate said the president had been relieved of his duties – and Jean Andre Ndremanjary had been appointed on a temporary basis.
In the absence of a president, the leader of the Senate takes the post until elections are held.
At least 22 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and the security forces since 25 September, according to the UN.
Youth power....