Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, has dissolved his government following days of nationwide youth-led demonstrations over persistent water and power shortages.
In a televised national address on Monday, President Rajoelina apologised for the government’s failings, stating: “We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them.”
The protests, described as the “Gen Z movement,” began in the capital Antananarivo last Thursday and have since spread to at least eight cities. Demonstrators, mostly young people, have rallied under the slogan: “We want to live, not survive.”
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in clashes between security forces and protesters. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned the “unnecessary and disproportionate force” used by security personnel, citing beatings, arbitrary arrests, and the reported use of live ammunition.
The Malagasy foreign ministry, however, rejected the UN’s casualty figures, alleging they were based on “rumours or misinformation.”
In response to rising unrest, authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Antananarivo. Security forces have been reported to use rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds, amid incidents of looting and violence.
Last week, President Rajoelina dismissed his energy minister for failing to address power supply challenges. But protesters, demanding broader accountability, called for the president and his entire cabinet to step down.
On Monday, the president confirmed the dismissal of the prime minister and cabinet ministers, though they will remain in office in an interim capacity until a new government is formed. Applications for a new prime minister will be accepted over the next three days.
President Rajoelina acknowledged public frustrations, saying: “I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems.” He added that he would seek dialogue with young people to address their concerns.
Banners at demonstrations have called for rights rather than confrontation, though reports indicate homes of at least two lawmakers were damaged in the unrest. Leaders of the “Gen Z” movement maintain that hired groups were behind acts of looting aimed at discrediting their protest.
Madagascar, which has a history of political upheaval since independence in 1960, last witnessed mass unrest in 2009 when then-President Marc Ravalomanana was ousted and Rajoelina assumed power.
The latest protests are considered the most serious challenge to President Rajoelina’s authority since his re-election in 2023.
Source: BBC
