LUSAKA, Zambia
Madagascar’s president said Monday that he was sheltering in a “safe space” after an “attempt on his life.”
Andry Rajoelina said only the country’s constitution could resolve the impasse, which has seen weeks of anti-government protests.
“I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life today,” the 51-year old leader said in the live Facebook address, adding: “I never stop looking for solutions.”
Rajoelina’s keenly awaited national address was eventually cancelled after delays as a group from the armed forces tried to take control of state-owned media.
“Only the constitution can resolve the crisis,” said Rajoelina, who earlier was reported to have been evacuated to France on a military plane Sunday after “a deal” with French President Emmanuel Macron.
However, Macron on Monday declined to confirm whether the island nation’s embattled leader was evacuated by its former colonial ruler, telling reporters in Egypt that “I just wish to express our great concern.”
Rajoelina has since Sept. 25 been facing youth-led protests over severe water and electricity shortages and alleged corruption which soon turned into calls for him to resign.
The unrest led to government reshuffles, including the dissolution of the Cabinet and appointment of a new prime minister and heads of security.
However, Rajoelina continued facing resistance, with troops from the Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), a military unit instrumental in Rajoelina’s rise to power through a 2009 coup, declared its support for the protests.
On Sunday, CAPSAT installed a new military chief hours after Rajoelina denounced its protests as an attempt to seize power illegally, prior to which his allies, former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga, flew to Mauritius on Saturday.
