President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar announced on Monday that he has dissolved the government following three days of youth-led protests over persistent water and power shortages that have left at least 22 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to United Nations figures.
The demonstrations, inspired by recent “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, represent the largest unrest the Indian Ocean island has witnessed in years and pose the most serious challenge to Rajoelina since his disputed re-election in December 2023.
“We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them,” Rajoelina said in an address broadcast on Televiziona Malagasy (TVM). He added that the dissolution would create space for dialogue with young people, and pledged support for businesses affected by widespread looting.
“I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems. I heard the call, I felt the suffering, I understood the impact on daily life,” the president said.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that casualties included both demonstrators and bystanders killed by security forces, as well as individuals caught in subsequent violence and looting. Madagascar’s foreign ministry, however, dismissed the UN figures, saying they were based on “rumours or misinformation” rather than official sources.
On Monday, protesters gathered at the University of Antananarivo, waving placards and singing the national anthem before attempting to march towards the city centre, local media outlet 2424.MG reported. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, enforcing a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed last week.
The youth movement has adopted symbols and tactics from protests abroad, including the Nepalese protest flag and online organising methods used in Kenya, where demonstrations last year forced the government to abandon proposed tax reforms.
Rajoelina first seized power in a 2009 coup, stepped aside in 2014, then returned after winning the 2018 election. His most recent victory in 2023 was contested by rivals who alleged widespread irregularities.
