Madagascar president dissolves government amid violent protests News
India in Madagascar and Comoros, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Madagascar president dissolves government amid violent protests

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina announced on Tuesday the dissolution of the government led by Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, in response to widespread youth-led protests over power and water shortages.

In an official address, Andry Rajoelina stated that he had listened to protesters’ demands and recognized the government’s failure to meet the nation’s needs. “We were unable to meet your expectations and we have not listened to the cries and fears you’ve experienced,” he said, adding that he wanted to communicate with young people. He also promised fiscal and economic measures to support the recovery of businesses following the looting that occurred during the demonstrations, including granting zero-interest loans and tax relief.

After the dissolution, Parliament has three days to submit a list of potential Prime Ministers to the President, and the appointed Prime Minister will form a new government. Pending the appointment of new members of the government, current officials will continue to manage administrative duties.

Rajoelina’s decision followed the dismissal of Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons Olivier Jean Baptiste, amid widespread protests led by young members of the Generation Z movement. Inspired by similar actions in Nepal and Kenya, demonstrations began on September 25 in Antananarivo, where participants protested repeated water and electricity outages. However, the situation rapidly escalated into violent clashes between protesters and security forces and looting of businesses. Subsequently, demonstrators called for the government’s resignation and a public apology from both the President and the Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons.

The UN criticized Malagasy authorities’ response to the demonstrations, reporting that at least 22 people have been killed and hundreds were injured. The victims included protesters and bystanders killed by members of the police, in addition to others killed in subsequent widespread violence by gangs not associated with the protesters.

This is not the first time that President Andry Rajoelina has experienced popular unrest; as the incumbent candidate in 2023, he was injured during protests over the presidential election. Nevertheless, these recent demonstrations have been described as the most serious challenge he has experienced since his reelection in the 2023 polls.

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