Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina said he is sheltering in a “safe place” after what he alleged were attempts on his life and a coup plot, following weeks of anti-government protests that have shaken the island nation.

In a live Facebook address on October 13, he claimed that “a group of military personnel and politicians” had planned to assassinate him and overthrow the government. Rajoelina did not provide evidence for the claim but insisted he remains in the country “to ensure the safety of citizens.”

The statement was his first public appearance in more than two weeks, following reports that he had left the capital, Antananarivo, amid rising unrest and a mutinous army faction supporting protesters demanding his resignation over inflation and corruption.

The alleged assignation attempt comes after two weeks of youth-led protests over unemployment, corruption and rising living costs, organised under the Gen Z Mada movement — inspired by similar youth uprisings in Nepal and Peru.

The protests in Madagascar have gained traction after a powerful military unit reportedly signalled sympathy with demonstrators, fuelling speculation of a potential military split.

Security forces loyal to the government have clashed with dissident troops in parts of the capital, according to AFP and Reuters. Between five and ten deaths have been reported since protests escalated in late September, although official casualty figures have not yet been confirmed.

Security sources told Reuters that elements of the 1st Armoured Battalion, based near Ivato International Airport, have joined the rebellion, while senior army leadership and the defence ministry remain loyal to the presidency. Checkpoints have been set up across Antananarivo, and night curfews are being enforced by the Gendarmerie’s intervention units under Interior Ministry orders.

Rajoelina, 51, dismissed opposition calls to resign and said “foreign interests” were attempting to destabilise the country, without naming them. He urged calm and called for national unity, stating that he “will not abandon the Malagasy people.”

The African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) both issued statements on October 14 urging restraint and dialogue. The unrest marks the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s rule since his return to power in 2019, deepening political uncertainty in one of Africa’s poorest economies.

Madagascar has experienced several military-backed power shifts since independence in 1960 — most notably in 1972, 2002 and 2009, when Rajoelina himself led a coup that ousted Marc Ravalomanana. The island has since oscillated between fragile democratic transitions and elite rivalries often tied to economic patronage networks.

Rajoelina, who won elections in 2018 and 2023, has faced mounting criticism over economic stagnation and alleged cronyism. His address is expected to outline emergency measures to stabilise the situation and appeal for unity within the armed forces.

The political turmoil threatens to derail Madagascar’s post-pandemic recovery. Inflation remains above 9%, foreign reserves have fallen below $1bn, and the ariary has depreciated nearly 14% year-to-date. Investors have already priced in higher risk premiums on sovereign bonds, while the World Bank has paused new disbursements pending stability assurances.