France, Oct. 14 -- Madagascar's embattled President Andry Rajoelina has said he was sheltering in a "safe place" following an attempt on his life, ignoring calls to resign after spiralling unrest that has forced him into hiding.

The twice-delayed speech marked his first public address since a mutinous army unit backed anti-government protests, and followed reports that the 51-year-old leader had fled the country.

"Since September 25, there have been attempts on my life and coup attempts. A group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me," he said in a live address Monday evening on Facebook.

Sources told RFI that he had left Madagascar on Sunday on a French military plane.

"I was forced to find a safe place to pr...