Thousands of people in Madagascar have taken to the streets in different parts of the country for the past week, marking the largest wave of protests the Indian Ocean island nation has witnessed in more than 15 years. What began as frustration over shortages of basic necessities has rapidly escalated into one of the most serious challenges facing President Andry Rajoelina, who has been in power since 2018. In response, he sacked his government, but this move did not appease the protesters.
At least 22 people have reportedly died, with over 100 others injured in the unrest, according to UN sources. However, the Malagasy government dismissed these figures as being based on "rumors and misinformation".
The protests were ignited following the arrest on September 19 of two leading politicians who aimed to hold a peaceful demonstration regarding chronic power and water supply issues. Daily outages have fueled public outrage, particularly among the youth, who have organized via social media under the Gen Z Mada movement.
The protests have quickly spread beyond the capital, Antananarivo, reaching eight other cities across the country, with participants decrying the blackouts and accusing the government of failing to uphold basic rights. Activists have also pointed fingers at pervasive corruption within the power sector as a core issue.
With the protests gaining momentum, support has poured in from various civil society groups, labor unions, and political figures, leading to a broader demand for political change. Amidst calls for accountability and political reform, tensions continue to rise as the government maintains a heavy security presence across major cities. Schools have been closed due to fears of escalating violence, marking a critical moment in Madagascar's political landscape as the future remains uncertain.
At least 22 people have reportedly died, with over 100 others injured in the unrest, according to UN sources. However, the Malagasy government dismissed these figures as being based on "rumors and misinformation".
The protests were ignited following the arrest on September 19 of two leading politicians who aimed to hold a peaceful demonstration regarding chronic power and water supply issues. Daily outages have fueled public outrage, particularly among the youth, who have organized via social media under the Gen Z Mada movement.
The protests have quickly spread beyond the capital, Antananarivo, reaching eight other cities across the country, with participants decrying the blackouts and accusing the government of failing to uphold basic rights. Activists have also pointed fingers at pervasive corruption within the power sector as a core issue.
With the protests gaining momentum, support has poured in from various civil society groups, labor unions, and political figures, leading to a broader demand for political change. Amidst calls for accountability and political reform, tensions continue to rise as the government maintains a heavy security presence across major cities. Schools have been closed due to fears of escalating violence, marking a critical moment in Madagascar's political landscape as the future remains uncertain.
