Madagascar President flees amid military rebellion
Madagascar is undergoing a significant political crisis as President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country following a military rebellion and widespread protests. The unrest began on September 25, 2025, due to severe water and electricity shortages, and has escalated into a broader movement against poverty, corruption, and government mismanagement.
The elite CAPSAT military unit, which played a pivotal role in Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, has joined the protests and declared control over the armed forces. While they deny staging a coup, they have appointed a new military leader, General Demosthene Pikulas, and are actively engaging with demonstrators. The UN reports at least 22 deaths since the unrest began.
In a public address streamed on Facebook, Rajoelina stated that he fled the country due to threats to his life, but stopped short of resigning. Reports suggest he was evacuated by a French military aircraft, though French authorities have not confirmed this. His current whereabouts remain unclear.
The situation has led to international concern, with the African Union and the United States urging restraint. The crisis has also prompted travel advisories and flight suspensions from several countries. Madagascar’s history of political instability adds to the uncertainty surrounding the current events.
