Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved the government following three days of youth-led protests over water and power cuts. The United Nations reports that at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured during the demonstrations, which are the largest the Indian Ocean island has seen in years.
Inspired by 'gen Z' protests in Kenya and Nepal, the unrest poses the most serious challenge to Rajoelina since his re-election in 2023. Thousands of people, many dressed in black and calling for the president to resign, have marched in the capital Antananarivo. Police have responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.
In a televised address, Rajoelina apologised for the failures of his government. 'I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems,' he said. He announced that applications for a new prime minister would be accepted over the next three days before a new government is formed.
The UN human rights office blamed a 'violent response' by security forces for some of the deaths, with other fatalities caused by looting by gangs not associated with the protesters. Madagascar's foreign ministry rejected the UN casualty figures, calling them 'based on rumours or misinformation'.
Rajoelina first came to power in a 2009 coup and secured a third term in a December 2023 election that opponents said was marred by irregularities. Madagascar, one of the world's poorest nations, has a history of popular uprisings since independence in 1960.
