Madagascar's President Left the Country After Gen Z Protests

Reuters

Madagascar protests.

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country, opposition leaders and officials confirmed on Monday, marking the second time in recent weeks that youth-led protests have toppled a government amid a wave of global Gen Z unrest.

Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the opposition leader in parliament, told Reuters that Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday after army units defected and joined the protesters. “We contacted staff at the presidency, and they confirmed that he has left the country,” Randrianasoloniaiko said, adding that Rajoelina’s current whereabouts remain unknown.

A military source told Reuters that the president departed on a French military aircraft from Sainte Marie Airport after being transferred there by helicopter. French media reported that he had reached an agreement with President Emmanuel Macron prior to his departure.

Protests, which began on 25 September over persistent water and electricity shortages, swiftly escalated into nationwide demonstrations denouncing corruption, poor governance and the lack of basic services. The unrest has left at least 22 people dead, according to United Nations figures.

Rajoelina’s position became increasingly untenable after elite army and gendarmerie units joined the protesters, refusing to act against them. The Senate announced that its president had been dismissed, with Jean André Ndremanjary appointed as interim leader until new elections are held.

Madagascar, where three-quarters of the 30 million population live in poverty, has a median age below 20. Mounting frustration over economic hardship and inequality has fuelled the latest wave of protests in the Indian Ocean nation.

Source: Reuters


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