Antananarivo — Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has announced the dissolution of his government following a wave of youth-led protests over chronic water shortages and crippling power cuts that have left dozens dead.
In a televised address on Monday, Rajoelina said he had “terminated the functions of the prime minister and the government,” acknowledging public anger and apologising for his administration’s failures. “We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them,” he told the nation.
The move came after five consecutive days of demonstrations led by Generation Z activists under the rallying cry “We want to live, not survive.” What began in the capital, Antananarivo, quickly spread to at least eight cities, drawing thousands of young people into the streets.
The United Nations’ human rights chief Volker Türk condemned what he described as “unnecessary and disproportionate force” by security forces, saying at least 22 people had been killed and more than 100 injured. Witnesses reported the use of rubber bullets, tear gas, beatings, and even live ammunition.
Madagascar’s foreign ministry has rejected the UN’s figures, dismissing them as “rumours or misinformation.”
A dusk-to-dawn curfew remains in place in Antananarivo after reports of looting and violent clashes. Protest leaders insist that criminal gangs, not demonstrators, were behind the arson attacks on lawmakers’ homes, accusing political opponents of using hired thugs to discredit the movement.
“I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems,” Rajoelina said, promising to consult young people and fast-track the formation of a new government. He invited applications for prime minister within three days but noted that current ministers would serve in an interim capacity until replacements were named.
The unrest is the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s authority since his controversial third re-election in 2023. It also rekindles memories of Madagascar’s turbulent political history, including the 2009 uprising that toppled then-president Marc Ravaloman.
Source: Reuters
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