Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina Goes Into Hiding After Failed Assassination Plot Amid Mass Protests
Madagascar’s embattled president, Andry Rajoelina, has revealed he is hiding in a “safe place” after what he described as an assassination attempt, following weeks of nationwide protests calling for his resignation.
In a live Facebook broadcast, the 51-year-old leader said that a “group of military personnel and politicians” had plotted to kill him. His statement came after growing rumors that he had fled Madagascar aboard a French military aircraft — reports that remain unconfirmed.
Chaos in Madagascar Amid Youth-Led Protests
The country has been engulfed in political turmoil for more than two weeks, with thousands of young protesters — nicknamed “Gen Z Mada” — taking to the streets demanding Rajoelina’s removal.
Despite several attempts to calm tensions, including the dismissal of his entire cabinet, the demonstrations have only intensified. The protests, which began as a movement against power cuts and unemployment, have evolved into a broader uprising against corruption, inequality, and economic hardship.
Rajoelina had not been seen publicly since Wednesday, sparking speculation about his whereabouts. Over the weekend, his office confirmed that an attempt to overthrow him was underway, prompting fears of another military coup in the Indian Ocean nation.
“Attempts on My Life and Coup Attempts”
Addressing the nation on Monday night after several delays, 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.”
He added that Madagascar’s political crisis could only be resolved through adherence to the constitution, warning that any extra-legal power grab would “destroy the nation’s stability.”
Army Unit Turns Against the President
Much of the current unrest centers around CAPSAT, a powerful military unit that once helped Rajoelina rise to power during the 2009 coup that toppled then-President Marc Ravalomanana.
This time, however, CAPSAT has turned against him — declaring itself in charge of all armed forces and even joining protesters on the streets of Antananarivo, the capital.
After a tense meeting of top military commanders on Monday, General Demosthene Pikulas, CAPSAT’s newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, announced that the armed forces were “working together to maintain order.”
By Monday evening, Pikulas was seen entering the state television headquarters to negotiate with security officials, according to a statement from the presidency.
Power Struggle and Opposition Reaction
A senior figure from the TIM opposition party, speaking to the BBC on condition of anonymity, claimed that the army was now effectively running Madagascar. The TIM party also announced plans to impeach Rajoelina for what they called “abandonment of post.”
Meanwhile, several of Rajoelina’s close allies — including former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and prominent businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga — have reportedly fled to Mauritius.
France and the African Union Call for Calm
French President Emmanuel Macron declined to confirm whether France had evacuated Rajoelina but stressed that “constitutional order must be preserved.” Speaking during a visit to Egypt, Macron added:
“We have a youth that has expressed itself, that is politicized, and that wants to live better. That is a good thing. We just need to ensure it is not taken over by military factions or foreign interference.”
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council echoed these sentiments, condemning any “unconstitutional change of government” and urging all sides to resolve the crisis peacefully.
Deep-Rooted Economic Woes
Despite its natural wealth — including gemstones, vanilla, and rare earth minerals — Madagascar remains one of the poorest countries in the world. According to the World Bank, around 75% of its 30 million people live below the poverty line, while International Monetary Fund (IMF) data shows that only one-third have access to electricity.
The protests were initially triggered by anger over frequent power outages and water shortages, but they quickly grew into a broader expression of frustration with unemployment, corruption, and the high cost of living.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the unrest began — though the government disputes these figures. Eyewitnesses told international media that police fired live rounds at demonstrators, while others recounted cases of tear gas suffocating civilians, including a newborn baby who died from smoke inhalation.
A History of Political Upheaval
Madagascar has long been prone to political instability. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, it has witnessed multiple uprisings and coups — including the 2009 revolt that propelled Rajoelina to power after the fall of Ravalomanana.
At the time, Rajoelina was just 34 years old, making him Africa’s youngest head of state. A former DJ and media entrepreneur, he was initially viewed as a fresh face who could modernize Madagascar’s politics.
He founded a successful advertising company and radio station before entering politics, cultivating a youthful and dynamic image that resonated with urban voters. But as years passed, his popularity waned amid allegations of corruption, cronyism, and economic mismanagement.
Rajoelina ruled from 2009 to 2014 and returned to power after winning the 2018 presidential election, promising reform and economic renewal — promises many now feel he has failed to deliver.
Uncertain Future
With the president in hiding, the army divided, and the opposition pushing for impeachment, Madagascar faces one of its most serious political crises in decades.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to restore order, but analysts warn that if tensions continue to escalate, the island nation could descend into prolonged instability.
For now, Rajoelina’s message remains one of defiance: “There is only one way forward — to respect the constitution and defend democracy.”
But as protesters continue to fill the streets and soldiers take control of key institutions, many in Madagascar fear that democracy itself may be hanging by a thread.