Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has fled the country following weeks of mass demonstrations led by young protesters, according to opposition leaders and military sources.
The departure, confirmed on Monday, marks the second instance in recent weeks where Gen Z activism has toppled a government amid a surge of similar unrest worldwide.
Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the parliamentary opposition leader, stated that Rajoelina left on Sunday after army units defected to join the protesters.
Presidential staff verified the exit, though his current location remains undisclosed.
The president's office had announced a 7:00 p.m. address but offered no response to inquiries.
A military source revealed that Rajoelina departed via a French military plane from Sainte Marie airport.
A helicopter transported him there shortly after a French Army Casa aircraft landed.
French radio RFI reported that he had negotiated an arrangement with French President Emmanuel Macron.
After a stopover on Reunion Island, Rajoelina arrived in Dubai on Monday morning, according to aviation tracking details.
The transfer occurred discreetly at the runway's end, evading public view.
Protests ignited on September 25 over severe water and power shortages in the former French colony.
These quickly broadened into demands addressing corruption, poor governance, and inadequate basic services.
The unrest echoes youth-driven movements in nations like Nepal, where a prime minister resigned last month, and Morocco.
Rajoelina grew isolated after losing backing from CAPSAT, the elite unit that aided his 2009 coup.
Over the weekend, CAPSAT aligned with protesters, refusing to fire on them and escorting crowds in Antananarivo's main square.
The unit assumed military command and installed a new army chief, prompting Rajoelina's warning of a power grab.
On Monday, a pro-protest gendarmerie faction seized control in a ceremony attended by senior officials.
The Senate, a protest target, removed its president and named Jean André Ndremanjary as interim leader.
In the president's absence, the Senate head assumes the role pending elections.
Thousands rallied in the capital, chanting for immediate resignation.
At least 22 deaths have occurred in clashes since late September, per United Nations figures.
Madagascar, with a median age under 20 and 30 million residents, sees three-quarters in poverty.
GDP per capita has dropped 45 percent since 1960 independence, World Bank data shows.
The nation relies on vanilla exports alongside nickel, cobalt, textiles, and shrimp for revenue and jobs.