Madagascar President in Hiding After Reported Assassination Attempt

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has declared he is taking refuge in an undisclosed safe location following an apparent assassination attempt amid escalating political turmoil. The 51-year-old leader announced his situation during a live Facebook broadcast Monday after canceling a highly anticipated national address that was disrupted by military elements attempting to seize state media.

"I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life today," Rajoelina stated during his social media appearance, while maintaining that "I never stop looking for solutions" to the country's political crisis. He emphasized that "only the constitution can resolve the crisis," positioning himself as adhering to legal processes despite the extraordinary circumstances.

Reports had circulated that Rajoelina was evacuated to France aboard a military aircraft Sunday following communications with French President Emmanuel Macron. However, Macron declined to confirm these reports during his appearance in Egypt, telling journalists "I just wish to express our great concern" about the situation in Madagascar, formerly a French colony until 1960.

The current crisis stems from youth-led protests that began September 25 over severe electricity and water shortages, coupled with corruption allegations. The demonstrations rapidly evolved into demands for Rajoelina's resignation, prompting government reshuffles including cabinet dissolution and appointment of new security leadership. However, these measures failed to quell the opposition.

Significantly, the Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), a military unit instrumental in Rajoelina's rise to power through a 2009 coup, has now declared support for the protest movement. The unit installed a new military chief hours after Rajoelina denounced their protests as an illegal power grab. Meanwhile, the president's allies, including former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, have reportedly left the country.