Ousted Madagascar President Confirms Fleeing Country After Coup!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Madagascar’s impeached President Andry Rajoelina has openly confirmed that he fled the country following a military‑led takeover spurred by massive youth protests and escalating unrest. [1]
What Happened

• Earlier this week, Malagasy lawmakers voted to impeach Rajoelina, accusing him of “desertion of duty” amidst a political crisis. [2]
• On the same day, the elite military unit CAPSAT— previously a key pillar of Rajoelina’s power base — declared it was siding with protestors and assumed control of key institutions. [3]
• Rajoelina, in a televised address from an undisclosed location, said he fled to protect his life and rejected calls to resign. [1]
• Colonel Michael Randrianirina, head of CAPSAT, has been invited by Madagascar’s constitutional court to serve as interim leader. [4]

Why It Matters

• The move marks one of several recent “constitutional crises” in Africa, where military forces intervene following public protests. [5]
• The involvement of youth protesters — particularly a group dubbed “Gen Z Madagascar” — underscores a generational push for accountability and reform. [6]
• The African Union has already suspended Madagascar in response to the coup, while the world watches to see whether the military regime honors its promise of a transition to civilian rule within 18–24 months. [5]

Citations:

1. AP News: apnews.com/article/b17e7f78a6b0d4abf82a4a19a7a77a05?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/madagascars-president-dissolves-national-assembly-escalating-crisis-2025-10-14/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/14/elite-military-unit-says-it-has-seized-power-in-madagascar?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/madagascar-army-colonel-randrianirina-be-sworn-president-sources-2025-10-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/15/madagascar-to-swear-in-military-leader-as-president-on-friday?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. AP News: apnews.com/article/ab1e1eb1aca45fe7e80e81314ebdb0c6?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

See author's posts