Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced plans on Tuesday to hold a “national dialogue” with various groups on Wednesday, following a 48-hour ultimatum from youth protesters demanding he meet their calls or face a national strike.
The move comes a week after Rajoelina fired his cabinet and named army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister, in an attempt to address grievances that sparked demonstrations on September 25.
However, the reshuffle has failed to appease protesters, who initially took to the streets over water and electricity shortages but have since expanded their demands to include Rajoelina’s resignation.
Inspired by similar “Gen Z” marches in Kenya and Nepal, the protests represent the largest wave of unrest in Madagascar in recent years, highlighting widespread discontent over poverty and high-level corruption.
“Together, we must unite to fight against these evils and to build a new society founded on solidarity and mutual respect,” Rajoelina said in a message on his office’s Facebook page.
He added: “To that end, a national dialogue and consultation will be held to listen to people’s concerns and to develop lasting solutions to the issues that affect us.” The talks, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, will include spiritual leaders, students, youth representatives, and other stakeholders.
Also Read: Madagascar Protests Escalate as Rajoelina Faces Resignation Calls
While the protesters have not specified new demands, they previously called for the president to step down, apologise to the nation, and dissolve the senate and the election commission.
On Tuesday, dozens of demonstrators marched in the capital before police dispersed them, a sharp drop from previous rallies that drew hundreds across cities in Madagascar, according to the privately owned digital news platform 2424.MG.
The United Nations reports at least 22 people have died in the protests and over 100 others injured, figures the government has rejected.
In a statement posted on the protest movement’s verified Facebook page, demonstrators also dismissed the appointment of the new prime minister, describing it as a “cosmetic manoeuvre.”
