Madagascar’s president flees the country amid protests

Madagascar’s president flees the country amid protests

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country following youth demonstrations and desertions within the military.
According to Reuters, he left the island on October 12 aboard a French military aircraft. In his address, Rajoelina said he was forced to move to a safe location to protect his life but stated that he would not resign. The French government said it had no involvement in his evacuation.

Since late September, the “Generation Z” youth movement has been holding anti-government protests in Madagascar. According to UN data, 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured over four days.