Security forces in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, fired teargas on Tuesday to disperse hundreds of young demonstrators who returned to the streets despite President Andry Rajoelina’s announcement that he had dissolved the government.
Rajoelina’s late-night address on state television was aimed at defusing anger over persistent water shortages, rolling power cuts, and economic hardship. He pledged dialogue with the youth movement, support for businesses hit by looting, and the dismissal of Prime Minister Christian Ntsay. But protesters said the move fell short, demanding a public apology from Rajoelina and the ousted premier, as well as the removal of Antananarivo’s administrator.
Placards carried in the capital read: “We need water, we need electricity, Rajoelina out.” Demonstrations were also reported in Fenoarivo, Mahajanga, and Diego Suarez, underscoring the nationwide spread of the movement.
Rising Casualties and Disputed Figures
The United Nations says at least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured since the unrest began last week. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected those numbers, calling them inaccurate and “based on rumours.”
The protests, now in their fourth day, are the largest in Madagascar in years and represent the most serious challenge to Rajoelina since his controversial re-election in December 2023. Critics say that vote was tainted by irregularities.
Inspired by Global Youth Movements
The demonstrations have been driven largely by young activists drawing inspiration from Kenya’s Gen Z tax protests and Nepal’s recent youth-led uprising, which forced the resignation of its prime minister earlier this month. Protesters in Antananarivo have even adopted the Nepalese protest flag as a symbol of defiance.
Rajoelina, who first seized power in a 2009 coup, stepped down in 2014, only to return to the presidency in 2018 and win a third term in 2023. His opponents accuse him of authoritarian tactics, while his supporters insist he is acting to stabilise the country.
For now, the protests show little sign of waning. With young people rejecting piecemeal concessions, Madagascar faces a growing political crisis that could escalate further in the days ahead.
