Madagascar President Hiding in ‘Safe Place’ Amid Coup Attempt Warnings
Madagascar is currently on the brink of turmoil as President Andry Rajoelina finds himself in hiding, issuing a chilling warning about a burgeoning coup attempt. The ongoing political crisis stems from weeks of escalating protests led primarily by the nation’s youth, who are demanding his resignation.
A Troubled Presidency
In a dramatic Facebook Live address to the nation, Rajoelina, 51, revealed that he is sheltering in a safe place due to what he claims are planned assassination attempts orchestrated by a coalition of military personnel and disgruntled politicians. “A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me,” he stated. The president has remained out of public view since last Wednesday, reigniting speculation about his safety and the stability of his government. Unverified reports suggest that he may have even fled to France aboard a military aircraft.
These unsettling developments come on the heels of two weeks of broad protests, predominantly led by young people under the banner of Gen Z Mada. Despite Rajoelina’s significant efforts to quell dissent—including the dismissal of his entire government—his attempts to placate the protesters have failed miserably. Demonstrators continue to feel disenfranchised, fueling their resolve to demand accountability and change.
The Rise of Military Influence
Tensions peaked over the weekend when the CAPSAT army unit, which played a pivotal role in placing Rajoelina in power in 2009, openly expressed its unwillingness to support his leadership. CAPSAT declared itself in command of Madagascar’s armed forces and saw some of its officers joining the protesters in the capital, Antananarivo. This clear fracture within the military indicates that the Madagascar coup attempt isn’t just a threat in rhetoric but a genuine challenge to Rajoelina’s authority.
In the frantic hours that followed, military commanders gathered for urgent meetings, with Gen. Demosthene Pikulas, the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, vowing to the public that security forces were cooperating to maintain order. By Monday evening, he was reported to be at the state TV headquarters, negotiating a path to stabilizing the chaotic situation.
An anonymous senior leader from the TIM party, Madagascar’s largest opposition faction, disclosed to the BBC that the nation’s governance is effectively resting in the hands of the military unit. The TIM party has plans for impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for “abandonment of post,” signaling the depth of the crisis and mobilizing further political action against the embattled leader.
Public Sentiment and the Cost of Living Crisis
The widespread discontent among the populace is not merely political—it is also deeply personal. Madagascar is grappling with significant poverty, with approximately 75% of its citizens living below the poverty line, as reported by the World Bank. Additionally, more than one-third of the population lacks reliable access to electricity, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Emerging from frustrations over rampant water and power outages, the protests have evolved to encompass broader grievances, including high unemployment rates, rampant corruption, and the spiraling cost of living.
Tragically, the initial protests have already led to violence, resulting in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to United Nations reports. Eyewitness accounts detail harrowing scenes of security officers using live ammunition against protesters, leading to catastrophic outcomes—one such account mentions a newborn victim of tear gas exposure.
Historical Context
Madagascar’s political landscape has rarely been stable since gaining independence in 1960, and its history is riddled with uprisings. The most notable was in 2009, which resulted in the ousting of then-President Marc Ravalomanana, paving the way for Rajoelina’s rise to power. Now, at just 34 years old, he became Africa’s youngest leader but has since faced escalating scrutiny over his perceived corruption and nepotism.
His early charm has faded as reality has set in—Rajoelina, once a wealthy entrepreneur and DJ, is now perceived as disconnected from the needs of his people.
Conclusion
As Madagascar braces for potential upheaval, the situation remains tenuous. The Madagascar coup attempt signals not just a critical juncture for President Rajoelina but also a defining moment for the nation’s young and engaged populace. With cries for change resonating louder than ever, the world will be watching closely as events unfold in this strategically vital and politically fragile island nation. Whether Rajoelina can reclaim control or whether his rule will collapse under mounting pressure remains to be seen—it is a dramatic chapter in Madagascar’s ongoing struggle for stability and justice.