"Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina calls on the nation to 'remain calm' as the country goes through a 'difficult path' amid deadly 'Gen Z' protests, speaking in a video address on Monday. Rajoelina described the situation as 'extremely tense', saying that Malagasy people were living in 'deep anxiety about the future of the country'. He also called on the nation "to remain calm during this turbulent time and, above all, to hold high in our hearts the value of national unity," adding that he had sought to avoid any conflict among the people and prevent confrontation within the country’s defence and security forces. Moreover, Rajoelina expressed confidence that the nation’s interest could be prioritised 'through dialogue and, most importantly, through unity', adding that everyone is responsible for the current state of the country. Revealing details of the instability, the president said, "You are surely aware of the events of the past three days; there was a plot," adding, "The group of soldiers who made that declaration had already planned to do so on Friday night." Most seriously, he alleged a separate coup attempt had been planned since September 25, "aiming to take my life." Rajoelina has reportedly fled Madagascar amid intensifying nationwide protests that began late last month, plunging the island nation into political uncertainty. The unrest, now in its third week, is driven by the Gen Z Mada movement. It is fuelled by public anger over repeated power and water cuts, corruption, unemployment, and a soaring cost of living. According to UN estimates, the protests have resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, though the government disputes these figures. Rajoelina first came to power in 2009 after mass protests ousted then-President Marc Ravalomanana. Having faced growing criticism over corruption and governance, he won re-election in 2018 and again in 2023 in polls that were widely boycotted by the opposition."