Madagascar's President Flees the Country on French Military Aircraft

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has been evacuated from the country aboard a French military aircraft amid protests and a military uprising threatening to topple his government, reports RFI.

The evacuation took place after an agreement was signed with French President Emmanuel Macron. French authorities have stated they will not intervene in Madagascar's internal crisis, which has been shaking the country since September 25.

The unrest began due to widespread water and electricity shortages but has escalated into a nationwide movement demanding Rajoelina's resignation. Security forces have employed force to disperse the protests, while military personnel supporting the demonstrators have taken control of the militarized gendarmerie.

On Sunday, the presidential administration warned of a coup attempt by members of Capsat, an elite unit that assisted Rajoelina in seizing power during the 2009 coup.