Crisis in Madagascar: The Final Instructions from Andry Rajoelina, According to Africa Intelligence

The President of Madagascar was set to address the nation at 7 PM today (8 PM, Mauritius time). However, due to ongoing negotiations, the broadcast of his speech has been postponed to 9:30 PM (10:30 PM, Mauritius time), as indicated in a statement issued by the Presidency of Madagascar this evening.

According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), Andry Rajoelina was reportedly exfiltrated by a French military plane on October 12, 2025, following an agreement with President Emmanuel Macron. However, RFI clarifies that "French authorities state that they are not intervening in any way in the Malagasy crisis."

Africa Intelligence reports that the current location of the head of state remains a secret. The African media outlet reveals that "President Andry Rajoelina held a remote meeting with his cabinet on the morning of October 13, reaffirming his capacity to govern." Throughout the weekend, he is said to have conducted a series of consultations with several African counterparts to secure their support.

Early on October 13, the presidential cabinet called for an emergency video conference meeting via WhatsApp. Andry Rajoelina reportedly specified the content of his evening speech: he will not resign. Without disclosing his location, he mentioned a "strategic withdrawal," motivated by the need to protect his life and that of his family.

Africa Intelligence emphasizes that this is "a way of half-admitting that he may have left Madagascar, as rumors of his departure have been widespread since October 12." The media also notes that the president had been holed up in the State Palace with his wife and three children since October 11.

During this meeting, Andry Rajoelina was said to have indicated his intention to respond to accusations of "abandonment of post" that might be made by the High Constitutional Court (HCC), publicly refuting them.

According to Africa Intelligence, "in the last 48 hours, the head of state has communicated with several of his counterparts on the continent, to whom he reaffirmed his categorical refusal to resign." Among them, South African Cyril Ramaphosa was reportedly one of the first to contact him. Africa Intelligence reports that "Cyril Ramaphosa is not the only SADC member who has communicated with the Malagasy president: Comorian President Azali Assoumani and Mauritian Prime Minister Dharam Gokhool have also reached out to him."

The media finally recalls that "Mauritian authorities condemned the arrival on their territory of businessman Mamy Ravatomanga, a former key figure for Andry Rajoelina, and former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, on October 12, highlighting that the conditions of their arrival were unclear."

Sources: Africa Intelligence, RFI