Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has been evacuated from the country by a French military plane amid escalating protests and a military mutiny.
The evacuation followed an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, although French authorities maintain they are not intervening in Madagascar’s internal affairs.
Protests began on September 25 over widespread water and electricity cuts.
Demonstrations have since escalated into a nationwide movement demanding Rajoelina’s resignation.
Security forces have used force to disperse protests, resulting in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries
Capsat, an elite unit that helped Rajoelina seize power in 2009, has withdrawn its support and taken control of key government installations.
Also, opposition members of the National Assembly have begun impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina.
The president of the Senate has been relieved of his functions, and Jean André Ndremanjary has been appointed temporarily.
Thousands of people gathered in the capital, Antananarivo, to celebrate the military’s defection and demand Rajoelina’s resignation.
Meanwhile, Rajoelina’s location is currently unknown, sparking uncertainty about his future as president.