Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has been evacuated from the country aboard a French military aircraft as protests and a growing military mutiny threaten his rule, Radio France Internationale (RFI) reported.

The evacuation reportedly followed an understanding reached with French President Emmanuel Macron, though French officials insist they are not intervening militarily in the ongoing crisis.

The unrest, which began on 25 September over widespread water and electricity cuts, has since escalated into a nationwide movement demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.

Security forces have used force to disperse demonstrations, while sections of the paramilitary gendarmerie have reportedly joined protesters, seizing control of some units.

Before his evacuation, Rajoelina had been expected to address the nation, but the speech never took place. His whereabouts remain unclear, with conflicting reports over whether he has fled or remains in the country.

Rajoelina now faces the most serious challenge to his presidency since his re-election in 2023, as public anger, defections within the military, and widespread unrest raise fears of an impending power takeover.