Dhaka, Oct. 14 -- Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina said he fled the country fearing for his life following a military rebellion, but stopped short of announcing his resignation in a late-night address broadcast on social media Monday.

The president's message - his first public appearance since the uprising began - came after weeks of Gen Z-led anti-government protests that escalated dramatically on Saturday when an elite military unit, the CAPSAT, joined the demonstrations and called for Rajoelina and his ministers to step down.

"I was forced to find a safe place to protect my life," Rajoelina said in the speech, which was delayed for hours after soldiers reportedly tried to seize control of state television buildings. The message...