Reports claim a helicopter evacuated Madagascar president Andry Rajoelina to France after heightening unrest and diplomatic agreement with France. RFI radio first reported the move, saying it followed a deal between Rajoelina and French President Macron, and that a French military aircraft facilitated the transfer. The evacuation came amid mass protests and a military revolt over corruption and living conditions.
According to reports, the president was moved by helicopter from Antananarivo to Sainte Marie island, where a French transall aircraft awaited to fly him onward to France. The sequence reportedly involved a helicopter arriving at the island in the afternoon before connecting to the plane. Madagascar’s government had earlier announced that Rajoelina would address the nation that evening, but his planned televised speech never aired.
Moreover, this evacuation follows the defection of the elite CAPSAT military unit, which sided with demonstrators protesting power cuts, water shortages, and corruption. The army unit had long backed Rajoelina and was critical in bringing him to power in 2009. Its shift in loyalty triggered fears of a coup and further fueled calls for the president’s resignation.
Meanwhile, Madagascar’s protests escalated after September 25, beginning over energy and water crises but swiftly turning into broad dissent over governance. At least 22 people died in clashes with security forces, according to UN data. Demonstrations spanned multiple cities, with youth-led movements like Gen Z Madagascar doubling down on demands for leadership change.
Furthermore, French officials declined to confirm the reports. The French Embassy in Madagascar denied that any military intervention was underway. A statement emphasized that there was no operation involving troops and that interpretations of remarks by French overseas officials should not suggest involvement.
In addition, President Macron said he could not immediately confirm the evacuation. Speaking from an international summit, he expressed concern over the situation while insisting that Madagascar’s constitutional order must remain intact. He noted that France understands citizens’ grievances but did not elaborate on claims of involvement.
Also, analysts suggest that evacuating the president to France could signal both protection for Rajoelina and strategic repositioning by Paris amid its former colony’s crisis. Such a move exposes the delicate balance between diplomatic intervention and shocking sovereignty.
Finally, as the helicopter evacuated Madagascar president enters global headlines, the implications are stark. The transfer may reshape the balance of power in Antananarivo, influence international mediation, and test France’s regional role. Whether Rajoelina returns or remains abroad, Madagascar now enters a profound political turning point.
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