Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country, according to the opposition leader and other officials, after units of the army defected and joined the protesters. Rajoelina’s current whereabouts are unknown.
A military source told Reuters that Rajoelina flew out of the country on a French military aircraft on Sunday.
The protests, which began on September 25 over water and power shortages, have escalated into an uprising over broader grievances, including corruption and bad governance.
At least 22 people have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces.
The country’s median age is under 20, and the economy is struggling, with three-quarters of the population living in poverty.
