Madagascar's president has said he will dissolve his government, following days of youth-led protests over longstanding water and power cuts. We acknowledge and apologize if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them, Andry Rajoelina said in a televised national address on Monday.
The so-called Gen-Z protests have seen thousands of predominantly young demonstrators take to the streets in cities across Madagascar since Thursday, under the rallying cry: We want to live, not survive.
The UN's human rights chief condemned the unnecessary force used by security forces to quell the unrest, saying that at least 22 people have been killed and 100 others injured. Madagascar's foreign ministry has rejected the UN's figures, alleging the data is based on rumors or misinformation. Protests began in the capital Antananarivo but have now spread to eight cities.
A curfew was imposed in Antananarivo after reports of violence, with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas on crowds. UNCHR head Volker Türk expressed shock over the violent crackdown, urging security forces to stop using excessive force and immediately release all detained protesters.
Last week, Rajoelina had already sacked the energy minister due to public frustration over service failures. Now, in an effort to quell unrest, he announced the termination of his government and will accept applications for a new premier. Rajoelina stated he wanted to engage in dialogue with the youth, who demand their rights. Despite the tension, protesters claim that damage and looting reported by the government are attempts to undermine their cause. This uprising presents a significant challenge for Rajoelina, marking one of the most critical moments since his re-election in 2023.
The so-called Gen-Z protests have seen thousands of predominantly young demonstrators take to the streets in cities across Madagascar since Thursday, under the rallying cry: We want to live, not survive.
The UN's human rights chief condemned the unnecessary force used by security forces to quell the unrest, saying that at least 22 people have been killed and 100 others injured. Madagascar's foreign ministry has rejected the UN's figures, alleging the data is based on rumors or misinformation. Protests began in the capital Antananarivo but have now spread to eight cities.
A curfew was imposed in Antananarivo after reports of violence, with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas on crowds. UNCHR head Volker Türk expressed shock over the violent crackdown, urging security forces to stop using excessive force and immediately release all detained protesters.
Last week, Rajoelina had already sacked the energy minister due to public frustration over service failures. Now, in an effort to quell unrest, he announced the termination of his government and will accept applications for a new premier. Rajoelina stated he wanted to engage in dialogue with the youth, who demand their rights. Despite the tension, protesters claim that damage and looting reported by the government are attempts to undermine their cause. This uprising presents a significant challenge for Rajoelina, marking one of the most critical moments since his re-election in 2023.
