Reuters. Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the government Monday (September 29) following youth-led protests over water and power cuts that killed at least 22 people and injured over 100, according to the UN.
The three-day demonstrations, inspired by "Gen Z" protests in Kenya and Nepal, represent the largest protests Madagascar has seen in years and Rajoelina's most serious challenge since his 2023 re-election.
The UN reported casualties included protesters and bystanders killed by security forces, plus others killed in subsequent violence by gangs. Madagascar's foreign ministry rejected the UN casualty figures as based on "rumors or misinformation."
Police used teargas against protesters after authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew. Protesters adopted tactics from Nepal and Kenya's successful demonstrations. Rajoelina first gained power in a 2009 coup.
