Madagascar’s president dismisses government following deadly rallies

(MENAFN) Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dismissed his government following days of violent protests led by young citizens, sparked by prolonged power outages and water shortages, according to reports.

In a televised address on Monday, Rajoelina acknowledged public frustration over years of inadequate service delivery as he announced the removal of Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and his cabinet. He clarified that the outgoing ministers would remain in office until a new government is formed within three days.

“We acknowledge and apologize if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them,” Rajoelina said, adding that he had heard the public’s grievances and “felt the suffering” caused by power cuts and water shortages.

At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in protests led by young Malagasy citizens dubbed the “Gen Z” movement, which began last Thursday in the capital, Antananarivo, according to UN figures. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said he was “shocked and saddened by the killings and injuries,” noting that the marches started “peacefully” but were met with “unnecessary force,” including the use of live ammunition by some security officers.

Footage showed damage at torched cable-car stations and a major shopping mall looted by demonstrators. Homes of two lawmakers were also reportedly attacked.
Authorities imposed a nighttime curfew “to protect the population and their belongings until public order is restored.”

The African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) expressed “deep concern” over the violence, urging all parties to exercise restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution.

In an effort to ease tensions, President Rajoelina dismissed his energy minister last Friday and pledged sweeping reforms on Sunday, declaring that “the way the country is run will be completely overhauled.”

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