Madagascar is facing its most severe political crisis in over a decade as President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country following weeks of protests over water shortages, blackouts, and corruption.

Demonstrations that began in late September in the capital, Antananarivo, quickly evolved into a nationwide uprising led by a youth movement calling itself “Gen Z Madagascar.”

The protests, initially sparked by poor public services and rising living costs, grew into broader demands for accountability and political reform. At least 22 people have been killed since the unrest began, according to the United Nations.

The situation escalated dramatically when CAPSAT, an elite military unit once instrumental in Rajoelina’s 2009 rise to power, announced it would no longer fire on civilians and instead joined protesters, taking control of parts of the army. The president’s authority rapidly collapsed, and sources say he left Madagascar aboard a French military aircraft after discussions with President Emmanuel Macron.

Rajoelina later appeared on Facebook denying he had fled and claiming there were attempts on his life, but his whereabouts remain unclear. The African Union and United Nations have urged calm and called for dialogue between military and civilian leaders.

With the army fractured, the government dissolved, and public anger still high, Madagascar faces an uncertain future. Whether this crisis ushers in genuine reform or descends into further instability remains to be seen in one of Africa’s poorest island nations.

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