Madagascar President Dissolves Government After Deadly Youth Protests

Madagascar President Dissolves Government After Deadly Youth Protests
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Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced on Monday that he has dissolved the government following three days of youth-led protests over frequent power cuts and water shortages, Reuters reported. The demonstrations, inspired by recent “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, are the largest in years and represent the most serious challenge to Rajoelina since his re-election in 2023.

The United Nations said at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured, blaming both security forces and widespread violence that followed. Madagascar’s foreign ministry rejected the UN figures, calling them unverified.
In a televised address, Rajoelina apologized for government shortcomings and pledged dialogue with young people, while promising measures to assist businesses affected by looting.

He acknowledged the frustration caused by poor services, saying, “I heard the call, I felt the suffering.” Authorities have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew, and police used tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered near the University of Antananarivo on Monday.