Mon Oct 13 22:46:13 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country amidst a military rebellion and widespread anti-government protests. The protests, initially triggered by water and electricity shortages, have escalated into broader discontent over poverty, corruption, and governance. An elite military unit, CAPSAT, has joined the protests, calling for Rajoelina’s resignation and claiming control of the armed forces. Rajoelina, speaking from an undisclosed location, condemned the attempted coup but did not resign. The situation remains volatile, with the US Embassy advising citizens to shelter in place and the African Union calling for calm. This crisis is the most significant unrest since Rajoelina himself came to power in a 2009 coup. The protests, largely driven by “Gen Z Madagascar,” have been met with a violent response by authorities, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Adding to the turmoil, Madagascar’s former Prime Minister and close advisor to Rajoelina have fled to Mauritius.
**News Article:**
**Madagascar President Flees Amidst Military Rebellion and Protests**
**Antananarivo, Madagascar – October 14, 2025** – President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar has fled the country in fear for his life following a military rebellion and weeks of escalating anti-government protests. In a late-night televised address from an undisclosed location, Rajoelina stated he was forced to seek safety but stopped short of announcing his resignation.
The crisis reached a boiling point when an elite military unit, CAPSAT, joined the protests over the weekend, calling for Rajoelina and other government officials to step down. The unit now claims to control the armed forces and has appointed a new officer in charge of the military, a move accepted by the Defense Minister in Rajoelina’s absence.
“I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” Rajoelina said. He condemned the attempted coup and called for dialogue and respect for the constitution.
The protests, initially sparked by chronic water and electricity outages on September 25, have evolved into broader demonstrations against poverty, the rising cost of living, alleged corruption, and limited access to education. The movement, largely driven by a group calling itself “Gen Z Madagascar,” has drawn inspiration from protests in other nations and has mobilized online.
The United Nations reports that at least 22 people have died and dozens have been injured in the unrest, criticizing Madagascan authorities for their “violent response” to the protests.
The US Embassy in Madagascar has advised American citizens to shelter in place due to the “highly volatile and unpredictable” situation. The African Union has urged all parties to exercise calm and restraint.
This is the most significant unrest in Madagascar since Rajoelina himself came to power in a 2009 military-backed coup. Ironically, the same CAPSAT unit now rebelling against him played a key role in his rise to power then.
Adding to the instability, Madagascar’s former Prime Minister and close advisor to Rajoelina have also fled the country, arriving in Mauritius on Sunday.
The situation remains tense, with the future of Madagascar uncertain as CAPSAT asserts its authority and calls for the Madagascan people to decide what happens next.
First Piper 