Madagascar residents emerged Friday morning to survey destruction following deadly demonstrations against persistent utility failures. Young protesters had gathered Thursday demanding solutions to daily electricity and water outages lasting more than 12 hours. Police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets against crowds before establishing overnight curfews across Antananarivo. Hospital officials reported five fatalities during the unrest.
Demonstrators targeted government infrastructure and businesses throughout the evening rampage. Attackers burned banks, retail establishments and residences belonging to three ruling party legislators. Vandals damaged a cable car station representing a major government development initiative. Commercial areas outside downtown continued experiencing theft Friday despite calmer conditions elsewhere.
The protests reflect mounting frustration with President Andry Rajoelina's administration amid widespread poverty. Madagascar remains among the world's poorest nations despite dominating global vanilla production markets. Rajoelina secured a third presidential term through contested elections featuring opposition boycotts and minimal voter participation last year.
Demonstrators targeted government infrastructure and businesses throughout the evening rampage. Attackers burned banks, retail establishments and residences belonging to three ruling party legislators. Vandals damaged a cable car station representing a major government development initiative. Commercial areas outside downtown continued experiencing theft Friday despite calmer conditions elsewhere.
The protests reflect mounting frustration with President Andry Rajoelina's administration amid widespread poverty. Madagascar remains among the world's poorest nations despite dominating global vanilla production markets. Rajoelina secured a third presidential term through contested elections featuring opposition boycotts and minimal voter participation last year.
