Madagascar is facing a political crisis as President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country amid escalating protests led by the opposition group Zan-Gi. The protests, which began on September 25 over water and electricity shortages, quickly intensified into nationwide demonstrations addressing government corruption, mismanagement, and lack of basic services. According to opposition leaders, some military units rebelled and joined the demonstrators, prompting the President to leave the island nation on a French military plane bound for Paris. The President’s current location remains unknown, and a previously scheduled national address did not take place. French authorities, including President Emmanuel Macron, were reportedly involved in facilitating the move. Madagascar, with a population of nearly 30 million, faces deep economic challenges, with three-quarters of its citizens living below the poverty line and declining per capita GDP.