Madagascar’s president Andry Rajoelina has dissolved his government after days of nationwide protests over chronic power cuts and water shortages, according to the BBC.
In a televised address on Monday, Rajoelina apologised for the government’s failings. “We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them,” he said. He added that he had “terminated the functions of the prime minister and the government”, though ministers would remain in place in an acting capacity until a new cabinet is formed. Applications for a new premier will be accepted over the next three days.
The youth-led demonstrations, widely referred to as the “Gen-Z” protests, began in the capital, Antananarivo, last Thursday and have since spread to at least eight other cities. Protesters have rallied under the slogan “We want to live, not survive,” demanding reliable electricity, clean water and broader political change.
Security forces have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital after clashes, looting and reports of property damage. According to Reuters, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
The UN’s human-rights chief, Volker Türk, condemned what he described as “unnecessary and disproportionate” force by the security services. Reuters reported that at least 22 people had been killed and more than 100 injured, including protesters, bystanders and victims of subsequent violence by individuals unaffiliated with the demonstrations.
Madagascar’s foreign ministry rejected the UN’s figures, claiming the numbers were based on “rumours or misinformation”.
The protests have become the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s authority since his re-election in 2023. He first came to power after mass protests in 2009 forced his predecessor, Marc Ravalomanana, to resign.
Rajoelina said he wanted to meet young people to hear their grievances. “I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems,” he said on state television.
Despite the announcement of the government’s dissolution, demonstrations continued on Tuesday, with security forces again deployed in Antananarivo and other cities.