Madagascar’s president says he’s fled the country following “Gen Z” protests that erupted last month demanding his ouster — and after soldiers threw their support behind the protests. Reuters reports Andry Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday aboard a French military aircraft. A crackdown on dissent by his forces killed at least 22 people, according to the United Nations. On Monday, thousands gathered in Madagascar’s capital to mourn the dead and to demand justice.

Fitahiana Rajaonary: “The evacuation of Andry Rajoelina was an act of interference by France in Madagascar. Why? Well, because it wasn’t a coup d’état; it was just a call from the people, a call for freedom of expression.”