Madagascar's President Dissolves Government Amid Deadly Protests

Strategic Insights -

Deadly protests over power and water shortages have rocked Madagascar, with at least 22 people killed and over 100 injured. The demonstrations, led by young people in the capital Antananarivo, have turned deadly, prompting President Andry Rajoelina to dissolve his government. The protests represent the most serious challenge to Rajoelina's authority since his re-election in 2023, with crowds gathering at the capital's main university and attempting to march into the city center. Security forces have responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured in the protests, according to the United Nations.
  • The demonstrations, led by young people, are driven by frustration over years of economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions in Antananarivo.
  • The protests represent the most serious challenge to President Rajoelina's authority since his re-election in 2023.
  • Security forces have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and a dusk-to-dawn curfew to try to quell the unrest, with looting reported at supermarkets, appliance shops, and banks across the capital.
  • Thousands of people have taken to the streets, with crowds gathering at the capital's main university and attempting to march into the city center.
  • The movement has been largely coordinated on social media, particularly on Facebook, with protesters drawing inspiration from youth-led movements in Kenya, Nepal, and Morocco.
  • The protests have been driven by frustration over frequent power outages and water shortages, which have disrupted daily life for millions of people.

Statistics:

  • At least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured in the protests, according to the United Nations.
  • Over 75% of Madagascar's 30 million people lived below the poverty line in 2022, according to the World Bank.
  • Looting has been reported at over 100 supermarkets, appliance shops, and banks across the capital.
  • The protests have been driven by frustration over frequent power outages, with an estimated 30-40% of households affected.

Sources:

  • Al Jazeera: (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/25/madagascar-imposes-curfew-after-violent-protests-against-water-power-cuts)
  • Reuters: Photographers and writers (Zo Andrianjafy and others)
  • Televiziona Malagasy (TVM): TV broadcast of President Rajoelina's televised address
  • World Bank: Madagascar: World Development Indicators (2022)