Summary
Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has left the country due to a military rebellion. An elite military unit has joined protests against him, calling for his resignation. President Rajoelina has not officially resigned and called for dialogue to resolve the situation.
Key Facts
- Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina left the country after a military unit joined protests against him.
- Rajoelina announced his departure in a social media speech, citing threats to his life.
- He did not resign but is calling for dialogue and for the constitution to be respected.
- The protests were initially about water and electricity outages but grew into a wider anti-government movement.
- The CAPSAT military unit, which helped Rajoelina rise to power in 2009, now opposes him.
- CAPSAT claims control of the armed forces and denies staging a coup.
- There has been some violence between protesters and security forces, but major fighting was avoided.
- President Rajoelina reportedly flew out on a French military plane, but this is unconfirmed by France.
