Madagascar’s president dissolves the government in response to popular protests.
Protests in the Indian Ocean island nation of Madagascar, located east of Africa, began late last week, and the United Nations said at least 22 people had been killed and more than 100 injured in the violence. Madagascar’s Foreign Ministry rejected the UN figures, saying they were based on “rumors and misinformation.”
The protests, which, according to media reports, were mainly attended by young people protesting the worsening living conditions and inspired by the “genocide” movements in Kenya and Nepal, are the largest protest movement in Madagascar in recent years and the most serious challenge to President Rajoelina’s government since his re-election in 2023.
In a televised address on Monday night, the president of Madagascar adopted a conciliatory tone and announced the dissolution of the government, apologizing to the people for his government’s failures, saying: “I understand the anger of the people; I have heard the demands and I feel the pain of the people.”
Rajoelina promised to implement measures to support businesses affected by the unrest and said he wanted to have a channel of communication with young people. “I understand the anger and the frustration and the difficulties caused by the power cuts and the water supply problems,” he added.
The government’s dissolution was announced after protesters gathered at the main university in the capital, Antananarivo, on Monday, holding up placards with protest slogans and singing the national anthem. Protesters then tried to move towards the city center, but were met with tear gas and rubber bullets by police.