### Madagascar's Political Turmoil: President Rajoelina Flees Amid Youth-Led Protests - Madagascar is currently experiencing a significant political crisis as President Andry Rajoelina has confirmed his departure from the country following weeks of escalating protests led primarily by the youth. The protests were fueled by widespread dissatisfaction over power outages, poverty, and lack of opportunities, culminating in a military rebellion that forced Rajoelina to flee on a French military plane [https://www.thedailystar.net/news/world/news/impeached-president-confirms-he-fled-madagascar-the-weekend-4011506][https://www.barrons.com/news/impeached-president-confirms-he-fled-madagascar-as-new-leader-claims-not-a-coup]. ### Breakdown of the Crisis: Key Events and Responses 1. **Protests Erupt**: The unrest began as youth-led protests against Rajoelina's government intensified, driven by frustrations over basic services and governance issues [https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/from-uprising-to-ousting-madagascars-dj-turned-president-andry-rajoelina-rose-to-power-on-youth-protests-fails-to-the-same-force-16-years-later]. 2. **Military Involvement**: An elite military unit joined the protests, leading to a significant shift in power dynamics and prompting Rajoelina to dissolve the lower house of parliament in an attempt to block impeachment proceedings [https://apnews.com/article/madagascar-protests-rajoelina-ab1e1eb1aca45fe7e80e81314ebdb0c6][https://www.straitstimes.com/world/Madagascar-president-dissolves-national-assembly-escalating-crisis]. 3. **Rajoelina's Flight**: On October 13, 2025, Rajoelina fled Madagascar, citing fears for his life amid the military rebellion and protests. His departure was confirmed by multiple sources, including military officials [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15189423/Madagascar-President-forced-flee-country-fears-life-anti-Government-protests.html][https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/madagascar-coup-protests-president-andry-rajoelina-france-b2844421.html?callback=in&code=YMZIZTFINDYTMZRHMC0ZYJZILTHMM2MTYJA0Y2I1ZWZJYWZL&state=2d62ac2b127048d9aca62aeaa6558e14]. 4. **New Leadership Claims**: Following Rajoelina's exit, the new leader of the military insisted that the takeover was not a coup, despite the circumstances surrounding Rajoelina's departure [https://www.barrons.com/news/impeached-president-confirms-he-fled-madagascar-as-new-leader-claims-not-a-coup]. ### Evidence of Unrest and Political Change - **Protest Dynamics**: The protests have been characterized by a significant youth presence, with many participants expressing concerns that their movement could be co-opted by military interests [https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/10/madagascar-president-flees-gen-z-protests-but-deep-problems-remain]. - **Government Response**: Rajoelina's government has faced accusations of corruption and mismanagement, which have been central to the protests. The military's involvement marks a critical turning point in Madagascar's political landscape [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3662413-madagascars-presidential-exit-amid-gen-z-protests]. ### Conclusion: A Nation in Crisis 1. **Political Instability**: Madagascar is facing its most severe political crisis since 2009, with Rajoelina's flight marking a significant shift in power dynamics. 2. **Youth-Led Movement**: The protests, primarily driven by the younger generation, highlight deep-rooted issues within the government, including corruption and inadequate public services. 3. **Future Uncertain**: The new military leadership's claim of a non-coup raises questions about the future governance of Madagascar and the potential for continued unrest as the population seeks accountability and reform [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3328873/address-nation-madagascar-president-says-safe-place-after-attempt-life]. In summary, the situation in Madagascar remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as the country grapples with the aftermath of Rajoelina's departure and the ongoing demands for change from its citizens.