Antananarivo, Madagascar – Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved his government in the wake of nationwide youth-led demonstrations that left at least 22 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to UN estimates.
The protests, which began in Antananarivo on September 25 under the slogan “We want to live, not survive,” quickly spread to at least eight cities, drawing thousands of predominantly young demonstrators angered by years of erratic power supply and water shortages. In a televised address on Monday, Rajoelina admitted to failures in his administration, saying: “We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them.” He confirmed that he had dismissed the prime minister and cabinet, adding that applications for a new premier would be received over the next three days.
The United Nations’ human rights chief, Volker Türk, condemned the crackdown, describing himself as “shocked by the security forces’ violent response” and urged the release of protesters arbitrarily detained. Reports indicate that police fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and even live rounds during clashes, while a dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed in the capital.
Madagascar’s foreign ministry dismissed the UN casualty figures as “rumours or misinformation.” Civil society groups and the Gen Z movement, however, insisted the demonstrations were peaceful until infiltrated by “paid goons” who looted property in a bid to discredit the protests.
Last week, Rajoelina had already sacked his energy minister over service failures, but demonstrators escalated demands for the entire government to resign. A banner in the capital summed up their grievances: “We don’t want trouble, we just want our rights.”
Analysts note the unrest marks the most serious challenge to Rajoelina since his third re-election in 2023. The crisis also echoes Madagascar’s turbulent political history, notably the 2009 uprising that toppled then-President Marc Ravalomanana and first ushered Rajoelina into power.
While the president has pledged dialogue with youth leaders, the Gen Z movement has signalled it expects more than cabinet reshuffles. For many, the protests are about greater accountability, improved service delivery, and increased generational inclusion in governance.
“I understand the anger, the sadness, and the difficulties caused by power cuts and water supply problems,” Rajoelina told the nation, promising that the new government will prioritise essential services.
Whether that promise is enough to calm a generation determined not just to survive but to shape Madagascar’s future remains to be seen.
