Madagascar’s embattled President Andry Rajoelina has declared that he is sheltering in a “safe place” following what he described as an assassination attempt, as weeks of youth-led protests demanding his resignation plunge the country deeper into turmoil.
In a live Facebook broadcast on Monday, Rajoelina, 51, alleged that a group of military officers and politicians had conspired to kill him, describing recent events as “a coordinated attempt to overthrow the government.”
“Since September 25, 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 said.
The president did not disclose his location, though unconfirmed reports earlier suggested he may have left Madagascar aboard a French military aircraft. His sudden disappearance from public view since Wednesday had already fueled speculation about his safety and the stability of his government.
Rajoelina’s address came after two tense weeks of nationwide demonstrations led by young activists calling themselves “Gen Z Mada.”
The movement, driven by frustrations over economic hardship, unemployment, and alleged government corruption, has demanded his immediate resignation.
In an attempt to quell the unrest, Rajoelina dismissed his entire cabinet and made several policy concessions, but the measures failed to appease protesters who accuse his administration of clinging to power through repression and manipulation.
