Madagascar president leaves country after soldiers turn against him

President Andry Rajoelina is believed to have fled the country (Alexander Joe/AP)

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has left the country after an elite military unit turned against the government in an apparent coup, an opposition official said on Monday.

The politician’s comments came shortly before Mr Rajoelina was due to appear on national television to make a speech to the people of Madagascar.