By Desmond ,Nleya
For a third consecutive week, Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, has been engulfed in violent clashes as roughly 1,000 demonstrators—mostly masked and mobilized under the “Gen Z Madagascar” banner—faced off with riot police using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds.
What began as public outrage over chronic water and electricity shortages has swiftly evolved into a nationwide movement against alleged government corruption and nepotism. According to UN reports, the unrest has already claimed 22 lives, with protesters refusing to engage in dialogue, highlighting a deep distrust of President Andry Rajoelina’s administration.
In an attempt to ease the crisis, President Rajoelina dismissed his entire cabinet. However, the move has done little to quell the anger. Protesters now demand his immediate resignation, rejecting what they view as symbolic concessions. Their refusal to attend scheduled talks with the president on Wednesday underscores their hardened stance.
Drawing inspiration from successful youth-led uprisings in Nepal and Sri Lanka, the movement has gained momentum online, adopting global symbols such as the pirate skull. Against the backdrop of a nation where extreme poverty affects 80% of the population and political instability runs deep, the protests represent a significant challenge to the government and a rallying cry for systemic change.
Source: AFP
