Madagascar’s president says he has fled the country, fearing for his life

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has announced that he is in a “safe location,” confirming reports that he has left the country amid ongoing mass protests, the BBC reports.

“I was forced to seek refuge to save my life. But even under these circumstances, I continue to look for a way forward,” Rajoelina said in a video address, without revealing his whereabouts.

He also urged respect for the Constitution as the only way to resolve the country’s deepening political crisis.

“There is only one path to solving these problems—by respecting the current Constitution,” he said.

Earlier, France’s RFI radio reported that Rajoelina was evacuated from the country on Sunday aboard a French military aircraft.