Thousands of young protesters took to the streets in several cities across Madagascar on Monday, marking the third consecutive week of anti-government demonstrations.
What began as anger over frequent power blackouts and water shortages has now grown into a national movement demanding President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation.
In the capital city Antananarivo, police fired tear gas to break up crowds of mostly university students who marched through the streets holding placards and chanting for change.
Similar scenes were reported in the southern city of Toliara and the northern city of Diego Suarez, where protesters clashed with security forces.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured since the protests began. The government has disputed those figures, claiming that the unrest is being “exploited by political actors seeking to destabilize the country.”
The demonstrations have been largely youth-led, drawing inspiration from recent “Gen Z” protests in Kenya and Nepal, where young people used social media to organize peaceful marches against corruption and poor governance.
Many Malagasy youths say they are frustrated by rising poverty, unemployment, and corruption in a country rich in minerals and agriculture but still among the poorest nations in the world.
Despite its natural wealth, Madagascar’s income per person has dropped by 45% since gaining independence in 1960.
Last week, President Andry Rajoelina, aged 51, dismissed his entire cabinet in an attempt to calm public anger. However, protesters say that is not enough and are now demanding that he steps down.
In a televised speech on Friday, Rajoelina said he was “ready to listen” to the protesters’ grievances but made it clear he would not resign.
His spokesperson later said that the president remains committed to dialogue and finding quick solutions to improve daily life for citizens.
Meanwhile, some civil society groups met with Rajoelina over the weekend to discuss a peaceful way forward. However, others boycotted the meeting, saying they would only join talks if all detained protesters were released and demonstrations were allowed to continue without interference.
The latest wave of protests has exposed long-standing frustrations in Madagascar. Despite having vast natural resources, the country continues to suffer from poor infrastructure, limited job opportunities, and frequent power cuts that affect homes, hospitals, and businesses alike.
Residents in the capital say they are tired of broken promises. “We are not just fighting for light and water—we are fighting for our future,” said one university student who joined the march in Antananarivo.
As demonstrations spread to more regions, tensions remain high. Analysts warn that if no compromise is reached, Madagascar could face its biggest political crisis in over a decade.
For now, the streets remain filled with chants of determination, as a new generation of Malagasy youth demands accountability, transparency, and lasting change.
