Antananarivo, Madagascar – President Andry Rajoelina announced on Monday, September 30, 2025, that he is dissolving Madagascar’s government following three days of violent protests led by young people over power and water shortages.
The United Nations reports that at least 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured during the demonstrations, making them the deadliest the country has seen in years.
The protests, inspired by youth-led “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, represent the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since his re-election in 2023.
Demonstrators have used social media to organize and adopted protest symbols similar to those seen in Nepal, where protesters recently forced the prime minister to resign.
“We acknowledge and apologize if members of the government have failed to carry out their duties,” Rajoelina said in a speech broadcast on state television.
He added that the government’s dissolution is intended to create space for dialogue with the youth and promised support for businesses affected by looting.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that the casualties include both protesters and bystanders killed by security forces, as well as individuals caught in widespread violence and looting unrelated to the demonstrations. However, Madagascar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disputed the UN figures, claiming they were based on rumors and not official data.
Footage from 2424.MG showed protesters gathering at a university, waving placards, singing the national anthem, and attempting to march toward the city center.
Police dispersed the crowd using teargas, following a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed last week.
Rajoelina first took power in a 2009 coup, stepped down in 2014, returned as president after winning the 2018 election, and secured a controversial third term in December 2023 amid allegations of irregularities by his opponents.
The ongoing protests highlight growing frustration among Madagascar’s youth over basic services, governance, and economic hardship, signaling potential instability for the island nation if solutions are not swiftly implemented.
