Madagascar protest organizers scheduled another rally on Tuesday despite President Andry Rajoelina dismissing his entire cabinet following deadly demonstrations that claimed 22 lives, according to United Nations figures. The youth-driven movement draws inspiration from recent Gen Z activism across Indonesia and Nepal while targeting government failures and chronic infrastructure breakdowns affecting electricity and water supplies. Rajoelina pledged to address national problems after removing his administration on Monday, but failed to halt the unrest sweeping the Indian Ocean country.
Police responded forcefully to earlier gatherings in the capital city, Antananarivo, where authorities deployed heavy security measures against participants. The government disputes UN casualty counts as unverified rumors while acknowledging more than 100 injuries during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators. Rajoelina previously led opposition protests before assuming power through a coup that removed Marc Ravalomanana from office and winning the 2018 presidential election after sitting out the 2013 contest under international pressure.
Police responded forcefully to earlier gatherings in the capital city, Antananarivo, where authorities deployed heavy security measures against participants. The government disputes UN casualty counts as unverified rumors while acknowledging more than 100 injuries during confrontations between security forces and demonstrators. Rajoelina previously led opposition protests before assuming power through a coup that removed Marc Ravalomanana from office and winning the 2018 presidential election after sitting out the 2013 contest under international pressure.
