Antananarivo, 14 October 2025 — Embattled President Andry Rajoelina addressed the nation Monday via a live-streamed speech online, declaring he is sheltering in a secure location after surviving an assassination attempt and coup plot. The address, delayed twice due to unrest and military interference, was his first public statement since reports suggested he had fled Madagascar.
Assassination Attempt and Coup Allegations
Rajoelina claimed that since September 25, a group of military personnel and politicians had conspired to assassinate him and seize power. “I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” he said, without disclosing his location.
The president’s remarks followed reports from Radio France Internationale that he had departed Madagascar aboard a French military aircraft, with stopovers in Réunion Island and Dubai. French officials have not confirmed the details.
Military Defection and Public Unrest
The crisis erupted amid youth-led protests over chronic power and water shortages, which evolved into a broader anti-government movement. A mutinous army unit, CAPSAT, which played a pivotal role in Rajoelina’s 2009 rise to power, has now backed the demonstrators and declared control over the armed forces.
Security forces, including elements of the gendarmerie, have admitted to excessive force during the protests, which the United Nations says have left at least 22 people dead.
Political Fallout
Rajoelina, who was re-elected in 2023, has dismissed calls to step down, insisting the constitution must be respected. “I am on a mission to find solutions,” he said, pledging dialogue but refusing to relinquish power.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have demanded an investigation into police conduct, and the youth-led Gen Z Mada movement has called for a new transitional government.
Outlook
Madagascar faces its most serious political crisis in over a decade, with military defection, civil unrest, and leadership uncertainty converging. While Rajoelina remains defiant, his grip on power appears increasingly fragile, and the international community is watching closely for signs of resolution or further instability.
Madagascar-Senate-building-Picture-by-Lemurbaby
Sources: France 24 France 24; ABC News Australia ABC; The Independent The Independent; Al Jazeera Aljazeera; 9News Australia 9News.
