The protest that began in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, demanding the resolution of shortages in electricity, water, and other essential services has proven costly for the president’s position.
SNPNEWS.IN, Madagascar: Protests that began on September 25 in Antananarivo, the capital, and have now spread to six major cities, turned violent, leading President Andry Rajoelina to announce the dissolution of the government on September 29. Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean near Africa’s eastern coast, is currently grappling with severe unrest.
Prolonged power and water cuts in Antananarivo, lasting up to 12 hours, caused by the mismanagement of the National Water and Electricity Company (Jirama), have fueled the protests. These demonstrations, initiated through social media (Facebook) by the “Gen Z Madagascar” group, draw inspiration from similar protests in Nepal and Kenya. The youth are also demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.
Known as “Leo Délestage,” these protests are primarily driven by Generation Z, targeting the lack of basic amenities and persistent power and water outages. According to the United Nations (UN), over 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured, though Madagascar’s Foreign Ministry has rejected these figures, calling them “based on rumors or misinformation.”
In a televised address, Rajoelina stated, “If the people believe the government has failed to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to it, we accept this and apologize.” The government has promised to form a new administration.
However, protesters remain resolute, vowing not to stop until the president resigns. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for peace.
These protests are pushing Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest nations, toward further political instability, a recurring issue since its independence in 1960.
Additionally, the World Human Rights Commission has condemned the actions of security forces against the protesters.