Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina Flees to France Amid Mounting Political Turmoil.
Madagascar’s political turmoil reached a dramatic climax on Monday after President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country aboard a French military aircraft to France, following days of mounting pressure and violent unrest in the capital, Antananarivo. French radio station RFI reported that Rajoelina’s departure was the result of a discreet deal struck with French President Emmanuel Macron, designed to avert further bloodshed and restore calm in the crisis-hit island nation. The agreement was allegedly finalized late Sunday after consultations involving senior French and Malagasy officials, as the situation in Antananarivo deteriorated and key units of the Malagasy army began siding with protesters demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.
Eyewitnesses at Ivato International Airport said the president’s convoy, escorted by loyal members of the Presidential Guard, arrived under tight security just before midnight. Shortly afterward, a French military aircraft took off, reportedly carrying Rajoelina, a few close aides, and family members to Paris. The French Embassy in Madagascar has remained tight-lipped on the matter, neither confirming nor denying Rajoelina’s arrival in France, while the French foreign ministry in Paris has also declined immediate comment.
Rajoelina’s sudden flight comes after weeks of mass demonstrations fueled by accusations of electoral manipulation, corruption, and growing economic hardship. Tensions escalated last week when the country’s elite military unit announced its withdrawal of support for the president, effectively isolating him politically and militarily. Protesters had stormed several government offices, calling for a transitional administration to oversee new elections.
Political analysts say the move by France, Madagascar’s former colonial power, underscores its growing concern over the instability in the region. The French government reportedly acted to prevent the situation from spiraling into a full-blown civil conflict, especially after intelligence indicated that rival factions within the military were preparing to seize power.
In Antananarivo, uncertainty now hangs over the nation’s political future. Opposition leaders have welcomed Rajoelina’s departure but are calling for a swift transition to civilian leadership under constitutional provisions. Meanwhile, the Malagasy army has taken control of key state institutions and announced that it will maintain order until a new interim authority is established. The whereabouts of several senior government officials remain unknown, while reports suggest that some have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
Rajoelina, who first rose to power in 2009 following a coup and later returned to the presidency through elections, now faces an uncertain political future in exile. His flight marks a significant turning point for Madagascar, a nation long plagued by cycles of political instability, economic inequality, and foreign influence. As of Monday evening, no official statement had been released from the presidential palace, but sources indicate that an interim government announcement is expected within the next 24 hours.
