Largest Demonstrations in Years
Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina, has dissolved his government following three days of youth-led protests over rolling power outages and water shortages. The unrest, inspired by recent “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, marks the most serious challenge to his rule since his disputed re-election in 2023.
At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured, according to the UN’s human rights office, which blamed heavy-handed police tactics. Riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while looting by unrelated gangs also contributed to the violence. Thousands of demonstrators, many dressed in black and chanting for Rajoelina’s resignation, have marched through Antananarivo in defiance of a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
Rajoelina Responds to Public Anger
In a televised address, Rajoelina acknowledged government failures. “I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems. I heard the call, I felt the suffering, I understood the impact on daily life,” he said. He apologized for shortcomings in his administration and announced that applications for a new prime minister would be received in the coming days.
The president promised support for businesses impacted by looting and said he wanted to open dialogue with young people driving the protests. His announcement is seen as an attempt to quell growing anger and regain control after the largest demonstrations Madagascar has witnessed in years.
Global Inspiration and Local Realities
The protests have drawn inspiration from youth uprisings abroad, particularly Nepal, where demonstrators forced a prime minister to step down earlier this month, and Kenya, where mass demonstrations led to the withdrawal of unpopular tax measures. Protesters in Madagascar have adopted similar tactics, including online coordination and symbolic flags from other movements.
Despite the UN’s casualty figures, Madagascar’s foreign ministry rejected the numbers, saying they were based on “rumours or misinformation.” Still, images of riot police confronting unarmed demonstrators have fueled outrage both locally and internationally.
A Fragile Political Landscape
Rajoelina’s hold on power has long been contentious. He first rose to prominence during a 2009 coup that ousted Marc Ravalomanana, stepped down in 2014, then returned as president in 2018. His third-term victory in December 2023 was denounced by opponents as irregular.
Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations, has a history of political upheaval and popular uprisings since independence in 1960. With youth anger now spilling into the streets and inspired by global protest movements, the country faces one of its most volatile moments in over a decade. Whether Rajoelina’s dissolution of government will defuse tensions or embolden calls for his resignation remains uncertain.