UN Reports 122 Casualties in Anti-Government Protests in Madagascar

UN Reports 122 Casualties in Anti-Government Protests in Madagascar
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The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that at least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured during anti-government protests in Madagascar, including both demonstrators and bystanders. Some fatalities resulted from live fire by security forces, while others were caused by violence and looting carried out by unrelated groups.

High Commissioner Volker Türk expressed deep concern over the casualties and urged the authorities to conduct “swift, thorough, independent, and transparent” investigations, holding those responsible accountable. He also called on security forces to refrain from excessive use of force and to release individuals detained arbitrarily.

The demonstrations, primarily led by the “Generation Z” movement, began on social media last week and have expanded from grievances over water and electricity outages to calls for President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation. Protests on Monday in the capital Antananarivo and other cities were met with tear gas and, in some cases, live ammunition.

The UN stressed that international law permits firearms use only in extreme circumstances to protect lives. These protests mark the largest civil unrest since the 2023 presidential election and reflect ongoing socioeconomic challenges in Madagascar.