Madagascar president flees as military turn against him amid Gen Z-led protest

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina left the country after an elite military unit turned against his government in what appears to be a coup, according to the Associated Press. The revolt followed three weeks of youth-led protests in Antananarivo. The president’s office had announced a national address on Monday evening, but it was delayed after soldiers stormed the state broadcaster.

Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko said Rajoelina "ran away" from the country on Sunday, reportedly aboard a French military aircraft. His office has not confirmed his location. A statement issued earlier said there was "an attempt to seize power illegally and by force." The president has not appeared in public since the weekend.

MILITARY UNIT CLAIMS CONTROL

The elite CAPSAT military unit, which helped Rajoelina seize power in 2009, said it has taken control of all armed forces. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, a CAPSAT commander, said one soldier was killed during clashes with loyalist troops but denied staging a coup. He added that "the army has responded to the people’s calls."

Protests began on September 25 over water and electricity shortages and were led by Gen Z activists under the banner "Gen Z Madagascar." The demonstrations have since grown into a nationwide movement against corruption and inequality. The UN says at least 22 people have been killed, though the government disputes this figure.

France, Madagascar’s former colonial power, has refused to comment on reports that it evacuated Rajoelina. The US Embassy has advised its citizens to stay indoors amid the "volatile" situation. The African Union urged both the military and civilians to remain calm and avoid further escalation.

Madagascar, where the median age is less than 20, has a population of about 30 million, three-quarters of whom live in poverty. According to the World Bank, GDP per capita plunged 45 per cent from the time of independence in 1960 to 2020.

- Ends

With inpust from agencies

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