Madagascar’s President Andri Radzuellina left the island on a French military plane, according to reports. The departure, confirmed on October 13, involved a helicopter transfer to Saint-Marie before boarding the aircraft, reportedly headed for Dubai. Paris emphasized the operation was limited to ensuring the president’s safe exit and unrelated to military intervention, with French forces on Reunion Island not participating further.
Protests erupted in Madagascar following power and water shortages, escalating into riots by September 25. The president dissolved the government on September 29, as clashes between demonstrators and security forces left casualties. Earlier reports indicated five deaths during unrest, with police using non-lethal measures to disperse crowds in Antananarivo. On October 12, media noted Radzuellina’s movement from the capital after the military declined to suppress protests led by youth and students.
