AdvertisementMadagascarWorldAfricaIn address to nation, Madagascar president says in ‘safe place’ after attempt on life
Following weeks of protests calling for his resignation, Andry Rajoelina fled the country on a French army aircraft on Sunday, officials said
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Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina said on Monday he was in a “safe place” after an attempt on his life, following weeks of youth protests calling for his resignation.
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In an address to the nation, Rajoelina did not disclose his whereabouts, which remain unknown, but a military source and other officials told Reuters he had fled the country on a French army aircraft on Sunday after Malagasy troops announced their support for the protesters.
“I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life today. In all this, I never stop looking for solutions,” the 51-year-old leader said in the live address on Facebook.
“Only the constitution can resolve the crisis,” Rajoelina said.
The keenly awaited national address by Rajoelina was delayed twice on Monday as a group of armed forces tried to take control of the state-owned media.
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Rajoelina has not appeared in public since Wednesday, fuelling speculation he may have fled the Indian Ocean nation rocked by more than two weeks of anti-government protests.
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