Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has committed to dissolve his government following days of youth-led demonstrations over chronic water and electricity shortages. In a televised address, he apologised for failures in governance and said applications for a new prime minister would be received within three days.
The Gen Z protests began in the capital Antananarivo last Thursday before spreading to eight cities nationwide. Thousands of young people marched under the slogan “We want to live, not survive.” Authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew after reports of violence and looting.
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The United Nations says at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the unrest began. Human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the “unnecessary force” used by security forces, including rubber bullets, tear gas and live ammunition. Madagascar’s government has rejected the UN’s casualty figures, calling them misinformation.
President Rajoelina, who came to power after mass protests in 2009 and was re-elected for a third term in 2023, said his cabinet would continue in an interim capacity. He also expressed readiness to hold talks with young people leading the demonstrations.
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