Madagascar President says he is ‘hiding in a safe place’ as he warns of coup attempt

By: BBC

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has said he is “hiding in a safe place” after an assassination attempt, following weeks of protests calling for his resignation.

In a live broadcast to the nation via his Facebook page, Rajoelina, 51, said “a group of soldiers and politicians planned to kill me”.

He did not disclose his whereabouts, but unconfirmed reports initially suggested he fled the country on a French military plane.

This came after nationwide protests, mainly led by youth, aimed at removing him from power.

Rajoelina’s failed attempt to calm the young protesters – dubbed “Gen Z Mada” – saw the president dismiss his entire government and make other unsuccessful concessions.

He has not been seen since Wednesday, and over the weekend Rajoelina’s office said an attempt was underway to force him out of power.

His address to the nation was delayed several times on Monday amid unrest, with soldiers threatening to seize the state television headquarters on the Indian Ocean island.

Finally, in a Facebook post he said: “Since September 25, there have been attempts to assassinate me and to stage a coup. A group of soldiers and politicians planned to kill me.

“I had to find a safe place to protect my life.”

“There is only one way to resolve these issues; which is to respect the constitution in force in the country”.