Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina on Monday dissolved his government in response to escalating youth-led protests over crippling water and electricity shortages, which the United Nations says have left at least 22 people dead and more than 100 injured.
The demonstrations, now in their third day, are the largest the Indian Ocean nation has seen in years.
Inspired by “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, protesters have rallied against blackouts and water cuts lasting more than 12 hours.
In a televised address, Rajoelina acknowledged citizens’ anger, apologized for government failures, and promised relief measures, while urging calm after looting and violence.
The UN Human Rights Office said deaths resulted from both security crackdowns and gang violence, but Madagascar’s foreign ministry dismissed the figures as “misinformation.”
Police on Monday fired tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to march toward the capital’s center despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
The unrest marks the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s authority since his disputed 2023 re-election.
By dissolving the government, the former coup leader signaled an effort to defuse the crisis and reassert control.
