Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina, announced plans to dissolve his government following several days of protests led primarily by youth over ongoing issues with water and power outages. In a televised address, Rajoelina acknowledged the government’s shortcomings and expressed an apology for its failure to address these concerns.
The protests, referred to as “Gen-Z demonstrations,” have attracted thousands of participants across various cities since Thursday. Protesters have called for fundamental changes, with slogans emphasizing the desire for a better life rather than mere survival. In the context of these protests, the United Nations has reported that at least 22 people have died, and around 100 have been injured, a statement that Madagascar’s foreign ministry disputes, claiming it lacks credibility.
Initially starting in the capital, Antananarivo, the protests spread to eight cities. In response to the disturbances, local authorities have imposed a curfew in Antananarivo, and security forces have utilized rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds. Concerns have been raised by UN officials regarding the force used by security personnel to manage the protests, which reportedly included arrests and beatings.
After the initial wave of protests, Rajoelina had dismissed the energy minister to address some grievances. However, many demonstrators continue to demand the resignation of Rajoelina and his administration. In his address, the president communicated an intention to engage with the youth regarding their concerns, stating that he had initiated procedures for forming a new government.
The unrest represents a significant challenge for Rajoelina, particularly following his re-election in 2023. Madagascar has a long history of political unrest since gaining independence in 1960, including previous uprisings that have led to regime changes.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y5j98p4pjo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss