Madagascar president goes into hiding amid worsening unrest

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina confirmed on Monday that he has gone into hiding in a “safe place” following an alleged assassination attempt as a mutiny within the army and nationwide protests threaten to topple his government.

In a live Facebook address – his first public appearance in weeks – Rajoelina said he had relocated to protect his life after surviving what he described as a coordinated plot involving military personnel and political actors.

“Since September 25, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me,” he said late Monday.

“I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life.”

He, however, did not reveal his location.

His speech, delayed twice on Monday amid mounting tensions, came as a mutinous army unit declared support for anti-government protests that have swept across the island nation.

The unrest began in late September, triggered by allegations of electoral fraud, economic hardship and growing dissatisfaction with Rajoelina’s administration.

Demonstrators have clashed with security forces in major cities, demanding the president’s resignation and political reforms.

Rajoelina, who first came to power in 2009 following a military-backed takeover and was re-elected in 2018, has faced repeated accusations of authoritarianism and mismanagement.

The crisis deepened last week when elements of the military reportedly refused orders and joined protestors, raising fears of a full-scale coup.