Tragic Loss: One-Month-Old Grandson Dies from Police Tear Gas in Madagascar Protests

Sun Oct 19 2025 20:02:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The death of Razanasoa Edmondine's grandson after police used tear gas during protests highlights the escalating unrest in Madagascar driven by power and water shortages.

A heartbreaking incident in Madagascar has drawn attention to the worsening tensions surrounding ongoing protests, as Razanasoa Edmondine recounts the death of her one-month-old grandson. Caught in a chaotic scene while accompanying his mother during a demonstration, the infant succumbed to the effects of tear gas. The protests, fueled by frustration over essential service shortages, have resulted in at least 22 reported deaths and significant property damage. Activist groups are now calling for President Rajoelina to resign amid increasing demands for reform and accountability.

Razanasoa Edmondine still looks shell-shocked as she recalls the death of her one-month-old grandson, killed by police tear gas in protests that have rocked Madagascar over the last two weeks.

It was just a normal Friday. My daughter-in-law was going to the market with the baby when they encountered demonstrators on the road, she tells the BBC at the family's home on the northern outskirts of the capital, Antananarivo.

Not long after, police showed up and started dispersing the protest with tear gas.

It was the second day of youth-led protests, triggered by anger over persistent power and water shortages, and Ms. Edmondine's daughter-in-law ran into a nearby building with other protesters to take cover.

Police then fired more tear gas canisters into the building, quickly filling it with choking smoke.

With the streets in chaos, they could not get to a hospital until the following day. By then, the damage had been done.

The baby was trying to cry but no sound came out, says Ms. Edmondine softly.

It was like something was blocking his chest. The doctor told us he had inhaled too much smoke. A couple of days later, he passed away.

Her grandchild is one of at least 22 people the UN says were killed during clashes between police and demonstrators in the early days of the protests, which have since escalated into broader dissatisfaction over corruption, high unemployment, and the cost-of-living crisis in one of the world's poorest nations.

The government of President Andry Rajoelina has dismissed this figure as misinformation but has not provided its own numbers. However, it has emphasised that the value of property damage exceeds $47m (£35m). The first days of the protests were marked by widespread violence, with cars set on fire, and shop windows smashed.

Rabe, who only gave the BBC his first name, accused the police of firing live bullets at peaceful protesters - a few blocks away from where Ms. Edmondine's daughter-in-law was hiding.

As police launched tear gas, panic spread fast and people fled in every direction, seeking shelter inside any open building.

The youth movement behind the demonstrations, known as Gen Z Mada, has grown increasingly frustrated. They are now calling for President Rajoelina to step down amid accelerating dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of critical issues, including unemployment and scarcity of essential resources.