President fled Madagascar amid protest

Madagascar presidents flees his country. (Touch TV)

by Mathipa Phishego

Madagascar officials has confirmed on Monday that President Andry Rajoelina have fled the country after youth engaged in a second-time uncontrollable strike which was later joined by military rebellion calling the president and other officials to step down.

According to Reuters, a member of parliament and leader of the opposition party Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, confirmed that the president left the country and his whereabouts remain unknown.

The president’s office through its Facebook page, produced Rajoelina’s late-night speech, which was also scheduled to air on Madagascar television but was postponed for hours as military tried to seize control of the state broadcaster buildings, stated, “I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life.”

These were Rajoelina’s first remarks in public since the CAPSAT military unit joined thousands of demonstrators who rallied in a central square in the capital city of Antananarivo, over the weekend after allegedly turning against his government in a coup.

Rajoelina stated that the constitution should be upheld and urged discussion to find a way out of this situation.  According to reports, he was transported out of Madagascar by a French military aircraft, although he did not specify how or where he left Madagascar.

The fact that Rajoelina supposedly holds French citizenship and Madagascar was formerly a French colony has long caused resentment among some Madagascans.

Protests against the government started on September 25 due to ongoing power and water disruptions, but they have since spread to include broader dissatisfaction with Rajoelina and his administration.