Madagascar president dissolves lower house of parliament amid apparent coup bid

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina addressing a state ceremony in Antananarivo, Madagascar, in September (Alexander Joe/AP)

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the country’s lower house of parliament on Tuesday in the midst of a military rebellion that led him to flee the country.

Mr Rajoelina issued a decree for the National Assembly to be dissolved immediately, according to a statement posted on the Madagascar presidency’s Facebook page.

Mr Rajoelina’s whereabouts are unknown after an elite military unit joined youth-led anti-government protests over the weekend and called for him to step down.

The president said in a speech broadcast on social media on Monday night that he left the country in fear for his life.