A resident of Antananarivo watches Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina’s address to the nation via the official Facebook page of the Presidency of Madagascar, from her home in Antananarivo on October 13, 2025. RIJASOLO / AFP
Madagascar's embattled President Andry Rajoelina said Monday, October 13, he was sheltering in a "safe space" after an attempt on his life. "I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life today. In all this, I never stop looking for solutions," the 51-year-old leader said in a live address on Facebook, without revealing his location.
Rajoelina was due to speak to the nation at 7:00 pm (1600 GMT), but it was delayed by an hour and half after "a group of armed forces threatened to take control of the state-owned media," the presidency said on Facebook. The presidency did not name who had attempted to block the broadcast.
Newly appointed Chief of the Army Staff, General Demosthene Pikulas, "went to the site to mediate, organize and take action against the situation," it said.
After the initial delay elapsed, the presidency announced a second postponement to 9:30 pm (1830 GMT), citing "ongoing negotiations" without providing further details.
