Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved his government in the face of Generation Z protests against electricity and water shortages, he announced in a televised address on Monday (September 29).
In his speech, Rajoelina said, “I apologize for the government’s failures. If members of the government have not fulfilled their responsibilities properly, we acknowledge and express regret.”
The president has pledged to help businesses affected by the protests. “I understand the anger, the sadness, and the hardship caused by the power and water supply problems,” he said. “I have heard the calls, I have felt the pain, I understand the impact on daily life.”
Youth-led protests began in the East African country of Madagascar on Thursday (September 25). Known as ‘Gen Z’, the protests began in the capital Antananarivo but gradually spread to eight cities.
President Rajoelina had dismissed the previous Minister of Energy and Power for failing to perform his duties, but protesters have called for the resignation of the president and his entire government.
As thousands of people took to the streets again on Monday, the president announced that he had dismissed the prime minister and dissolved the government, and that applications for a new prime minister would be accepted within the next three days. A new government would then be formed.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the “unnecessary use of force” by security forces, saying at least 22 people were killed and 100 injured. He said that in addition to detentions and beatings, rubber bullets, tear gas and even live fire were fired at protesters.
Experts say this movement poses the most serious challenge to President Rajoelina since his third term in 2023.
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