In a dramatic turn of events that echoes Africa's youth awakening, Madagascar's president has fled his homeland as young protesters and military forces unite to demand change in one of the continent's poorest nations.
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — October 14, 2025 — Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country aboard a French military aircraft after weeks of youth-led protests culminated in an elite army unit joining demonstrators and declaring control over the nation’s armed forces.
The 51-year-old leader confirmed his departure in a Facebook address on Monday, saying he had moved to a “safe location” to protect his life amid what he described as an illegal power grab. He did not announce his resignation or disclose his whereabouts.
The crisis escalated over the weekend when CAPSAT, the elite military unit that helped bring Rajoelina to power in a 2009 coup, sided with Gen Z protesters and named General Demosthene Pikulas as the new army chief.
The unit announced it had taken command of all military branches—land, air, and naval—effectively sidelining Rajoelina’s government.
French President Emmanuel Macron voiced “great concern” about the situation but did not confirm whether France had facilitated Rajoelina’s evacuation, according to RFI. The African Union’s security council condemned any “unconstitutional change of government” in Madagascar.
“He must resign. Immediately,” said Angie Rakoto, a 21-year-old law student protesting in May 13 Square, named after Madagascar’s famous 1972 youth uprising. Demonstrators have chanted “Rajoelina, leave!” while venting anger over chronic power and water shortages.
The United Nations reports at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries since protests began on September 25, though the government disputes those figures. The main opposition party, TIM, said it will pursue legal action against Rajoelina for “abandonment of duty.”
The unrest began with public outrage over rolling blackouts and water shortages in one of the world’s poorest nations, where only a third of the population has access to electricity and outages often exceed eight hours a day. About 75% of Malagasy people live below the World Bank’s poverty line of $2.15 per day.
The Gen Z Madagascar movement drew inspiration from recent youth uprisings in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
With a median age of 19, Madagascar’s young activists have mobilized rapidly online, amassing over 100,000 followers on their primary Facebook page within five days.
The Senate has removed its president and appointed Jean André Ndremanjary as interim leader, fueling speculation about succession plans.
Should the presidency become vacant, the Senate president would serve as acting head of state until elections are held.
Meanwhile, parts of the National Gendarmerie have joined anti-government forces, strengthening the opposition’s hold on power.
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