Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina said he is in a “safe place” following what he described as an assassination attempt, urging all parties to respect the constitution as weeks of anti-government protests continue to grip the Indian Ocean island nation.

In a live address on Facebook, Rajoelina, 51, did not reveal his location but stressed that “the only way to resolve these problems is through constitutional order,” rejecting opposition calls for his resignation amid widespread demonstrations that began on September 25.

The protests have intensified in recent days, with some military personnel joining the demonstrators, raising concerns over a potential split within the armed forces.

Meanwhile, France’s RFI radio reported on Monday that Rajoelina fled the country aboard a French military aircraft on Sunday under an agreement with President Emmanuel Macron — a claim that has not yet been confirmed by French or Malagasy authorities.