Cornered president ignores calls to quit

Madagascar's embattled President Andry Rajoelina said he was sheltering in a “safe place” following an attempt on his life, ignoring calls to resign after spiralling unrest that has forced him into hiding.

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The twice-delayed speech on Monday marked his first public address since a mutinous army unit backed anti-government protests, and followed reports that the 51-year-old leader had fled the country.

“Since Sept 25, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me,’ he said in a live address on Facebook.

“1 was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” he said, without revealing his location.

The protests, led by mostly young demonstrators, erupted over chronic power and water cuts in the impoverished Indian Ocean country, but developed into a broader anti-government movement calling for Mr Rajoelina to resign.