Madagascar coup confusion as president 'flees country'

Andry Rajoelina has reportedly flown to an undisclosed destination on a French military jet after an elite military group joined violent anti-government 'Gen Z' protests

- SARAH TETAUD GERALD IMRAY

Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina, has reportedly fled the African nation, according to the opposition leader and other officials. This marks the second instance in recent weeks of young protesters toppling a government amid a global wave of Generation Z unrest.

Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the parliamentary opposition leader, informed Reuters that Mr Rajoelina had departed Madagascar on Sunday.

The president’s office, which had earlier announced that a national address would take place yesterday evening, declined to comment on the unfolding situation. Mr Rajoelina had been scheduled to deliver the address following an apparent coup attempt by an elite military unit, Capsat, which publicly demanded his resignation after joining anti-government protests.

This unit previously played a key role in bringing Mr Rajoelina to power as a transitional leader during a military-backed coup in 2009. Capsat has since asserted that it has taken charge of all armed forces across Madagascar.

A military source told Reuters that Mr Rajoelina flew out of the country on a French military aircraft on Sunday. French radio station RFI said he had struck a deal with the French president Emmanuel Macron.

The source said that a French army Casa aircraft landed in Madagascar’s Sainte Marie airport. “Five minutes later, a helicopter arrived and transferred its passenger into the Casa,” the source said, adding that Mr Rajoelina was the passenger.