Protests had escalated: Allegations that the President of Madagascar has fled the country
It has been alleged that Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has left the country following weeks of protests and the military's decision to support the demonstrators. While Rajoelina did not confirm he was abroad, he stated, "I had to find a safe place to protect my life."
İHA
In Madagascar, protests that began in September in response to water and electricity outages and quickly grew into a movement against corruption and poor governance have plunged the country into a deep political crisis. Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko claimed that Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina left the country on Sunday.
According to reports in the local press, Randrianasoloniaiko said, "We called presidential staff, and they confirmed that Rajoelina has left the country." Military sources reported that Rajoelina departed Madagascar on a French military Casa-type aircraft.
"I HAD TO FIND A SAFE PLACE"
In a statement on the social media platform Facebook, Rajoelina did not directly confirm that he was abroad, but stated, "I had to find a safe place to protect my life. Despite all of this, I will never stop seeking a solution."
AT LEAST 22 PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE PROTESTS
The protests against water and electricity outages that began in September quickly turned into a major movement against corruption and poor governance. At least 22 people have lost their lives in clashes with security forces during the demonstrations, which have seen high participation, particularly from young people.
THE MILITARY SIDED WITH THE PROTESTERS
The elite military unit CAPSAT, which played a key role in the 2009 coup, announced last weekend that it supports the protesters and "refuses to open fire on demonstrators." Following these developments, the military appointed General Demosthene Pikulas as the new chief of staff.
Furthermore, the Senate, in accordance with the constitution, dismissed the Senate President—who assumes office in the absence of the head of state until elections—and replaced him with Jean André Ndremanjary.
RAJOELINA ACCUSES MILITARY OF "COUP ATTEMPT"
A statement from Rajoelina's office claimed that the military had "initiated an attempt to seize power illegally and by force." The statement added, "Given the extreme gravity of the situation, we strongly condemn this attempt at destabilization and call upon all forces in the country to unite to defend constitutional order and national sovereignty."