Impeached president confirms he fled Madagascar as new leader claims 'not a coup'

Residents ride in vehicles, waving Malagasy flags and chanting slogans, as a crowd follows members of Madagascar's Army CAPSAT unit moving toward the Presidential Palace to gain entry in Antananarivo, October 14, 2025. [AFP]

Madagascar's new leader insisted Thursday that a military power grab after the army joined weeks of demonstrations was "not a coup", as ousted President Andry Rajoelina confirmed he had fled the country days earlier.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina from the mutinied CAPSAT military contingent has faced international criticism after the army announced Tuesday it had taken power moments after parliament voted to impeach Rajoelina.