Gen Z-Led Protests Rock Madagascar Even After Government Dissolution
Gen Z-Led Protests Rock Madagascar Even After Government Dissolution
Protests continued in Madagascar on Tuesday, following the dissolution of the country’s government the previous day.
On Monday night, President Andry Rajoelina made an appearance on state television to announce the extraordinary decision.
He conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the protests and admitted to the shortcomings of his administration.
Rajoelina stated, “We have acknowledged your demands and I apologize if certain members of the government failed to meet the expectations of the people.”
However, the government’s dismissal was insufficient to quell the protesters’ anger, and their principal demand remains unchanged: the resignation of the head of state.
A Gen Z protester told Africanews, “The government hasn’t done anything to us, even if he dismissed its members. He’s the one leading the country, not them — he should step down for things to improve.”
“We are not afraid, even if he imprisons us or takes our lives—we protest for the sake of our country,” they added.
Among the dismissed ministers, Paubert Mahatante, the Minister of Fisheries, is the only one who has spoken out so far. He stated on his Facebook page that regardless of whether he holds a ministerial position or not, he will always serve the Malagasy people.
Shortages of water and electricity
Beginning on Thursday, protesters in Madagascar flooded the streets to voice their discontent over ongoing water and power shortages.
These protests, spearheaded by Gen-Z activists, are among the largest Madagascar has witnessed in years and represent the most significant challenge Rajoelina has encountered since his re-election in 2023.
In response, the government has implemented a nighttime curfew in Antananarivo starting Thursday and extended it to other major cities beginning Friday.
On the ground, law enforcement officers frequently deployed tear gas and discharged rubber bullets at protesters.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 individuals have lost their lives and over 100 have been injured in the demonstrations. However, these numbers are contested by Madagascar’s ministry of foreign affairs.
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