Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country following a military rebellion that arose from weeks of protests led by a group known as Gen Z Madagascar. The protests began on September 25, 2025, over chronic water and electricity shortages but quickly expanded to include widespread dissatisfaction with Rajoelina's administration. The situation escalated dramatically when the elite CAPSAT military unit sided with the protesters, demanding Rajoelina's resignation. In a late-night speech, Rajoelina expressed his fears for his safety and called for dialogue, although he did not announce his resignation. Reports suggest he was evacuated by a French military plane, highlighting his ties to France, which have been a source of contention among the Malagasy people. The protests have resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries, prompting curfews in major cities. The unrest reflects Madagascar's ongoing political instability, with a history of coups and crises since its independence in 1960.