Hundreds of protesters gathered in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, on Saturday, to express their frustration over persistent water and electricity outages.
The demonstration turned violent on Thursday, resulting in clashes between protesters and security forces, looting, and arson. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The protesters, mostly young people and university students, held placards with slogans like “We are poor, angry and unhappy” and “Madagascar is ours.” Some wore colored straw hats, which have become a symbol of defiance. A wall of security forces prevented protesters from marching towards the city center, and there were reports of police using tear gas to disperse them.
According to an unidentified hospital source, five people were killed in Thursday’s violence. However, no official toll has been released. President Andry Rajoelina condemned the violence as “acts of destabilisation” and sacked his energy minister “for not doing his job”.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) expressed concern over the unconfirmed number of fatalities, injuries, and extensive damage to public and private property. The 16-nation SADC, of which Rajoelina is the current chairperson, commended the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability.
The African Union called for restraint, calm, and dialogue. Authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew to restore order. “The government’s steadfast commitment to restoring peace and stability is commendable,” the SADC stated.
The protests were sparked by daily power cuts lasting over 12 hours in some areas and repeated water supply failures. The crisis highlights the depth of dissatisfaction over poor infrastructure and governance. Shops, banks, and malls were looted across Antananarivo, and schools and transport services were disrupted.
The unrest underscores a growing demand for systemic reform, leaving Madagascar at a critical political crossroads. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely.
