Madagascar President Flees Amid Protests

As of October 14, 2025, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country on a French military plane following large-scale domestic protests. According to opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday, October 12, without disclosing his exact location.

On October 13, Rajoelina posted a nationwide message on Facebook, stating he had moved to a safe location for his protection and emphasizing that he would not let Madagascar be destroyed. He did not reveal his exact whereabouts and insisted he would not step down.

Military sources reported that Rajoelina departed on a French Casa military transport aircraft. French President Emmanuel Macron, attending the Gaza ceasefire summit in Egypt, could not immediately confirm French assistance but stressed the need to maintain constitutional order and warned against military factions exploiting youth unrest.

Since September 25, Madagascar has experienced protests initially over water and electricity shortages, which escalated into broader discontent over government corruption and poor governance. Some military units also joined the demonstrations in support of the protesters.