France evacuates Madagascar president amid protests, army mutiny

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has been evacuated from the country aboard a French military aircraft amid growing protests and a military mutiny.

The evacuation came following an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, though French officials stressed that they are not intervening in Madagascar’s domestic crisis, which has been escalating since September 25, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The unrest began with public anger over widespread water and electricity shortages but has evolved into a broader movement demanding Rajoelina’s resignation. Security forces have used force to disperse demonstrators, while some officers supporting the protests have seized control of the paramilitary gendarmerie.

Rajoelina’s whereabouts were unclear before the evacuation. The presidency had announced that he would address the nation on October 13, but he has not made any public statements since officers aligned with the protesters claimed control of the gendarmerie.

On October 12, the presidency warned of a potential coup by members of Capsat, an elite unit that helped Rajoelina rise to power during a 2009 coup. Former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and businessman Mamy Ravatomanga, a close ally of the president, reportedly flew to Mauritius on a private jet on October 11.

Rajoelina was also absent from a ceremony on the same day to appoint General Nonos Mbina Mamelison as head of the gendarmerie, which was attended by Armed Forces Minister General Deramasinjaka Rakotoarivelo and General Demosthène Pikulas, whom Capsat has recognised as army chief.

Meanwhile, around a thousand people gathered in Antananarivo’s Place du 13 Mai to celebrate the Capsat troops. Three armoured vehicles carrying soldiers paraded through the crowd, with troops waving to demonstrators who held Malagasy flags.

The situation remains highly volatile, and the international community is closely monitoring developments.

By Aghakazim Guliyev