Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina fled the country on a French military plane after elite army units defected to the protesters. Opposition representatives, military sources, and French media confirmed the evacuation, noting that it was agreed upon with President Emmanuel Macron.

According to opposition leader Siteni Randrianasoloniyiko, Rajoelina flew out on Sunday when army units joined youth demonstrations.

"We contacted the president's headquarters, and they confirmed that he had left the country." — Randrianasoloniaiko told Reuters.

A military source clarified that a French army CASA aircraft landed on the island of Sainte-Marie, where a helicopter delivered the head of state.

French radio station RFI reported that after refueling in Réunion, Rajoelina departed for Dubai on a private charter. The presidential office had previously announced his address to the nation, but there was no comment on his departure.