Anti-government demonstrations in Madagascar entered their fifth consecutive day on Wednesday, with hundreds of protesters across the island nation demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina despite his move earlier this week to dissolve the government.
The protests, inspired by youth-led “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, began in the capital last week over widespread water shortages and rolling power blackouts.
They have since grown into the largest demonstrations in years, posing the most serious challenge to Rajoelina since his re-election in December 2023.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in clashes since the unrest began, figures the government disputes.
Protesters in Antananarivo and cities including Toliara marched with flags and banners reading “Rajoelina Out,” chanting for the president’s removal, footage broadcast by private station Radio Télévision Siteny showed.
Rajoelina, who first came to power in a 2009 coup before returning through elections in 2018 and 2023, has so far resisted calls to step down. His spokesperson, Lova Ranoromaro, said on social media that protesters had destroyed property and looted homes, while warning against a coup d’état.
Opposition alliance Firaisankina, led by Rivo Rakotovao, rejected any participation in a new government under Rajoelina’s leadership.
“We fully support this action to rescue the Malagasy people and rebuild the nation, led by the Malagasy people and driven by the youth,” Rakotovao told reporters.
The protest movement has also called for the dissolution of the election commission, the senate, and the country’s top court, citing mistrust of institutions that opposition parties say enabled Rajoelina’s contested re-election.
From the Vatican, Pope Leo expressed sorrow over the violence in the predominantly Christian country.
“Let us pray to the Lord that every form of violence may always be avoided and that the constant pursuit of social harmony may be fostered through the promotion of justice and the common good,” he said in his weekly address.
The unrest underscores mounting frustration in Madagascar, where economic hardship, poor infrastructure, and contested governance have fueled discontent in one of the world’s poorest nations.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
