Overview

• An elite unit, CAPSAT, and factions of the gendarmerie defected to protesters, asserted control over security leadership, and escorted mass rallies in Antananarivo.
• Rajoelina addressed the nation on Facebook after his speech was blocked from state TV, saying he moved to protect his life and rejecting calls to step down.
• Reports say he left on a French military aircraft, with RFI citing a deal with President Emmanuel Macron, though Macron said he could not confirm French involvement.
• The Senate said its president was relieved of his functions and named Jean André Ndremanjary as interim leader of the chamber, a key post in the constitutional line of succession.
• The United Nations reports at least 22 deaths since protests began on September 25 over power and water outages that widened into broader grievances, as Rajoelina issued pardons including for French nationals before departing and foreign missions urged caution.