Youth Protest Sparks Political Shakeup in Madagascar

Wed Oct 22 2025 14:12:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The president of Madagascar has announced the dissolution of his government in response to widespread protests invoking the Gen Z movement, demanding action on critical issues like water and power shortages.

In a decisive response to youth-led protests demanding better living conditions, Madagascar's president, Andry Rajoelina, has dissolved his government. The protests, largely driven by a younger population, call for improved access to water and power. Despite claims of excessive force by security forces leading to injuries and fatalities, the government has expressed disbelief in the reported casualties, attributing them to misinformation. Rajoelina plans to engage with the youth as tensions continue to rise across the nation.

Madagascar's president has announced he will dissolve his government, following days of youth-led protests over longstanding water and power cuts.

We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them, Andry Rajoelina said in a televised national address on Monday.

The so-called Gen-Z protests have seen thousands of predominantly young demonstrators take to the streets in cities across Madagascar since Thursday, under the rallying cry: We want to live, not survive.

The UN's human rights chief condemned the unnecessary force used by security forces to quell the unrest, stating that at least 22 people have been killed and 100 others injured.

Madagascar's foreign ministry has rejected the UN's figures, alleging the data is based on rumours or misinformation.

Protests first started in the capital Antananarivo but have since spread to eight cities across the country. A dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed in Antananarivo after reports of violence and looting, with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds.

UNCHR head Volker Türk expressed shock at the violent crackdown, which he stated involved arrests, beatings, and live bullets against demonstrators.

He urged the security forces to stop using unnecessary and disproportionate force and to release all arbitrarily detained protesters.

Rajoelina has noted that he wants to engage in talks with young people, acknowledging their anger and sadness over ongoing issues with power cuts and water supply problems.

The protests mark the most significant challenge the president has faced since his third re-election in 2023, highlighting deep frustrations within the populace about governance and essential services.