Overview

• Opposition, military and diplomatic sources say Andry Rajoelina left the country, with one military source reporting he flew out on a French military aircraft, which President Emmanuel Macron said he could not confirm.
• In a Facebook address, Rajoelina cited threats to his life, rejected calls to step down and vowed not to allow the country to be destroyed.
• CAPSAT, the elite army unit that helped Rajoelina rise in 2009, refused orders to fire, joined protesters and announced a new army chief.
• A faction of the gendarmerie aligned with demonstrators declared control of the force and named a new chief as the Senate removed its president and installed a temporary replacement.
• The United Nations reports at least 22 deaths since protests over water and power shortages began on September 25, and Rajoelina issued pardons including for dual national Paul Maillot Rafanoharana.