Madagascar’s President in Hiding After Assassination Attempt
Amid ongoing protests demanding his resignation, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has disclosed that he is taking refuge in a “safe place” following a failed assassination attempt. In a live Facebook address, Rajoelina, 51, accused a coalition of military personnel and politicians of plotting his murder.
Protests and Political Turmoil
The president’s safety announcement comes on the heels of two weeks of national protests primarily led by youth calling for his ousting. Rajoelina has been largely absent from public view since last Wednesday, and unverified reports suggest he may have fled the country aboard a French military plane.
Government Response to Protests
Rajoelina’s efforts to diffuse the unrest, including the dismissal of his entire cabinet, have failed to quell the dissatisfaction among protesters. In his national address, which faced multiple delays amid escalating tensions, he reported that several threats against his life have been made since September 25.
Military Involvement
This past weekend, CAPSAT, an influential military unit that supported Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, declared itself in control of the armed forces, with some officers even joining protesters in Antananarivo. President Rajoelina’s office publicly stated that there were active attempts to unseat him.
Opposition and Impeachment Plans
In light of the turmoil, the prominent opposition party TIM has announced plans to initiate impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina, citing “abandonment of post.” Various members of his inner circle have sought refuge in neighboring Mauritius.
Background of Protests
The recent unrest initially stemmed from public frustration over recurrent water and power shortages but evolved into broader discontent with Rajoelina’s leadership amid high unemployment and cost-of-living crises. Reports indicate at least 22 fatalities and over 100 injuries in the protests, with rights groups disputing government figures.
Long-standing Issues in Madagascar
Madagascar, rich in natural resources, remains one of the world’s poorest nations, with around 75% of its population living below the poverty line. This protest is not an isolated incident, as the country has witnessed multiple uprisings since gaining independence in 1960, including the 2009 protests that brought Rajoelina to power.
