Madagascar president dissolves government after youth-led deadly protests

"Madagascar's president, Andry Rajoelina, has dissolved his government in response to mass demonstrations over power and water shortages that turned deadly, with the United Nations reporting that at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 others were injured. The protests, which began last week and continued into Monday, were led largely by young people, angry over deteriorating living conditions in the capital, Antananarivo."

"Crowds gathered at Antananarivo's main university on Monday, carrying placards and singing the national anthem, before attempting to march into the city centre, according to footage broadcast by the local channel 2424.MG. Police fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, as authorities enforced a dusk-to-dawn curfew that has been in place since last week. Security forces have also used rubber bullets to try to quell the unrest."

"In a televised address on Monday, Rajoelina acknowledged the public anger and apologised for his government's failings. We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them, he said on state broadcaster Televiziona Malagasy (TVM). The president promised measures to support businesses that suffered losses during the unrest and said he wanted to open a cha"

Mass demonstrations over frequent power outages and water shortages in Antananarivo have left at least 22 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to the UN. The protests began last week and were largely led by young people angry about deteriorating living conditions. Experts consider the unrest the most serious challenge to President Andry Rajoelina's authority since his 2023 re-election and the largest wave of unrest the island nation has seen in years. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets, looting and attacks on politicians' homes were reported, and authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew. The president dissolved his government, apologised for failings, and promised measures to support affected businesses.

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