Madagascar’s president has announced he will be dissolving his government. This decision comes after days of protests, largely led by young people, highlighting long-standing issues with water and power supply. In a televised address, President Andry Rajoelina stated, “We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them.”
The protests, rallied under the banner “We want to live, not survive,” began on Thursday and have seen thousands, primarily young demonstrators, taking to the streets across various cities. The United Nations’ human rights chief has expressed concern over the “unnecessary force” reportedly used by security forces, citing at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries. However, Madagascar’s foreign ministry has disputed these figures, calling them unreliable.
The demonstrations initially concentrated in the capital, Antananarivo, but have since expanded to eight other cities. In response to the escalating violence and looting, a curfew has been imposed in Antananarivo, with police employing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds. The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, condemned the security forces’ actions, which he stated included arrests, beatings, and the use of live ammunition against demonstrators, urging an immediate halt to such tactics and the release of detained protesters.
The UN reported that the fatalities included both protesters and bystanders who were casualties of security forces, as well as others who died amidst subsequent violence and looting by individuals not associated with the protests.
President Rajoelina had previously dismissed the energy minister for failing to address the country’s infrastructure issues. However, the public’s dissatisfaction extended to the president and his entire government, demanding their resignation. Rajoelina expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with young people to address their grievances.
The protests represent a significant challenge to President Rajoelina’s leadership, particularly following his re-election in 2023. Madagascar has a history of political instability, with mass protests in 2009 having led to a change in government.
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