(MENAFN) Air France has temporarily halted all flights between Paris and Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, from October 11 to 13 due to escalating security concerns linked to the country’s ongoing unrest, according to reports citing a company statement issued via email.

The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant authorities and that the decision to resume flights “will remain subject to a daily assessment.” Flight information published on Air France’s website indicated that disruptions to routes connecting with Antananarivo may continue through October 17.

The demonstrations, organized by the youth-led movement Gen Z Madagascar, began on September 25 in response to widespread power outages and chronic water shortages. Security forces have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters amid reports of looting and vandalism targeting shopping centers. Authorities have imposed a nighttime curfew and blocked key roads across the capital, yet the unrest continues.

Tensions escalated further on Saturday when elite soldiers from CAPSAT units reportedly joined the demonstrations. Protesters have also delivered an ultimatum demanding that President Andry Rajoelina be removed from office within 48 hours, according to local media reports.

Observers noted that the protests stem primarily from frustration over poor living conditions rather than political or electoral grievances. Analysts said the “traditionally prominent role of young people in street protests” reflects a broader generational shift, suggesting that as Africa’s youth population expands and demands better living standards, such movements could “become a frequent occurrence in African countries.”

In a statement on Sunday, President Rajoelina described the events as an attempted coup, calling the effort unconstitutional and urging all “national forces” to defend the country’s democratic order.

Late last month, amid growing public pressure, Rajoelina dissolved his cabinet and appointed Army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister.

Rajoelina, who began his political career after leading a coup in 2009, governed a transitional administration for nearly five years before winning the presidency in 2018. He secured reelection in 2023 following weeks of protests and boycotts by opposition parties, pledging to advance industrialization, expand electricity access, and improve essential public services

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