Madagascar's embattled President Andry Rajoelina has said he is sheltering in a "safe place" after an attempt on his life, following weeks of protests calling for him to quit, BBC reported.

In a live broadcast to the nation on Facebook, Rajoelina, 51, said "a group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate me".

He did not reveal his location, but unconfirmed reports earlier suggested that he had fled the country on a French military aircraft.

It follows a fortnight of nationwide protests, mainly led by young demonstrators, aimed at kicking him out of power, according to BBC.