Madagascar’s cornered president says sheltering in ‘safe space’

• Andry Rajoelina says he is sheltering in a 'safe space' after attempt on his life

ANTANANARIVO: Madagascar’s embattled President Andry Rajoelina said Monday he was sheltering in a “safe space” after an attempt on his life and called for the constitution to be respected as pressure mounted for him to resign.

The twice-delayed speech marked his first public address since a mutinous army unit backed anti-government protests afollowed by reports he had fled the country off the east coast of Africa.

“Since 25 September, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me,” the 51-year-old leader said in a live address.“I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life,” he said, without revealing his location.

The protests, led by mostly young demonstrators, initially focused on chronic power and water cuts in the impoverished country but developed into a broader anti-government movement that called for Rajoelina to resign.Rajoelina, a former mayor who came to power on the back of a coup, on Monday called for the constitution to be respected to resolve the deepening political crisis.

“There is only one way to resolve these issues; that is to respect the constitution in force in the country,” he said.Radio France Internationale said Rajoelina left Madagascar on a French military plane at the weekend but French officials did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for confirmation.

French President Emmanuel Macron also refused to confirm this.