Crisis in Madagascar: What We Know About the Private Jet That Landed in Mauritius
A crisis is unfolding in Madagascar, raising numerous questions online. Who authorized a private jet from Madagascar to land in Mauritius on Saturday night?
Initially, there were rampant speculations about a possible escape of Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina to Mauritius amidst the political turmoil gripping the island nation. The president is indeed under considerable public pressure.
However, these rumors were quickly dismissed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Mauritius. According to a source from the PMO, Andry Rajoelina was not among the seven individuals on board the private jet. Instead, the aircraft carried a former Malagasy Minister of Transport along with acquaintances. In total, there were seven passengers, as per a list circulating online since Sunday morning.
The jet, registered as 5R-HMR, belongs to Trans Ocean Airways and departed from Antananarivo at 21:21 (22:22 Mauritius time). It initially attempted to land in Réunion but was denied approach clearance. According to the Réunion website Freedom, "after circling several times north of the island, the aircraft ultimately headed to Mauritius, where it was granted permission to land."
Still according to Freedom, "this aircraft, a Cessna Citation 560XL, can accommodate up to eight passengers and can be configured for medical purposes."
The Malagasy diaspora in Mauritius, under the banner "Generation Z Malagasy Mauritius," has expressed deep concern and indignation over what they label as the "suspicious landing" of a Malagasy private jet on Mauritian soil at 00:47 on Sunday.
The movement cites troubling facts, asserting that the aircraft, which departed from Antananarivo, was denied landing permission in Réunion. They demand clear and immediate answers, particularly regarding the identities of those who authorized this landing and the occupants of the aircraft, while calling for their arrest and extradition.
The situation remains tense in Madagascar this Sunday. According to Jeune Afrique, the Malagasy presidency issued an initial statement late Saturday, assuring that Andry Rajoelina "remains in the country" and "continues to manage national affairs," despite earlier conflicting information.
Authorities in Port-Louis are closely monitoring the situation on the island, hour by hour. A source within the PMO emphasized:
"Should a landing request from the Malagasy president be made, it will be considered, and the decision will depend on the circumstances."
On Sunday, the Malagasy presidency released a second statement informing the nation and the international community that an "illegal and forceful power grab, contrary to the Constitution and democratic principles, is currently underway on the territory."
"In light of this extremely serious situation, the President of the Republic, who is the guarantor of national unity, firmly condemns this destabilization attempt and calls upon all vital forces of the nation to unite in defense of constitutional order and national sovereignty," the statement reads.
Protests, initially sparked by young people protesting against water and electricity cuts in Madagascar, have evolved into a broader movement directed against President Andry Rajoelina.
