Madagascar president shares alleged assassination attempt

Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, shared in a Facebook video on 13th October that he was currently taking shelter following an alleged assassination attempt, as reported by France 24.

Rajoelina’s Facebook video serves as a response to rampant political turmoil across the country. This began last month as Gen-Z demonstrators took to the street in anti-government protests demanding Rajoelina step down from his position as Madagascar President following regular water and power shortages.

The momentum of these anti-government demonstrations culminated following an alleged coup where a military unit marched alongside the protesters whilst also calling for Rajoelina to be removed from power. Following this incident, Rajoelina was set to make a speech on national television.

This anticipated speech was reported to have been delayed twice due to armed forces trying to seize the state broadcaster. Additionally, Rajoelina had not been seen in public for almost a week before this speech, with some reports claiming Rajoelina fled Madagascar following the rising political violence.

In a Facebook video, Rajoelina announced he was making his speech from a “safe place” following an alleged assasination attempt: “Since September 25, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me,” he said. “I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life.” Details of this assassination attempt remain vague.

Furthermore, the Madagascar president is said to have brushed aside demands for him to step down, stating he is currently searching for solutions.

The whereabouts of the 51-year-old President, who originally assumed power in 2009 from a military coup, are currently unknown.

With assassination attempts, coups and growing demands from civilians for a new president, the likelihood of Rajoelina being able to restore political stability in Madagascar while remaining in office is becoming progressively lower.