Youth-Led Protests Rock Madagascar as Calls Grow for President’s Resignation

 

Thousands of young people flooded the streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, demanding the immediate resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. The demonstrations, driven by anger over chronic water shortages, widespread power cuts, and economic hardship, have escalated into one of the largest youth-led movements in the country’s recent history.

Tensions flared as crowds gathered outside key government buildings, chanting slogans and vowing to continue their marches until the president steps down. Protesters accuse the government of corruption, mismanagement, and neglect of basic services.

In response, President Rajoelina dissolved his cabinet and dismissed the Prime Minister, but stopped short of resigning, a move that protesters dismissed as insufficient. Security forces have been deployed across the capital, and a nighttime curfew has been imposed to curb unrest.

The demonstrations have already turned deadly. Human rights groups report at least 22 deaths and more than 100 injuries linked to the protests. Despite the risks, organizers insist they will not retreat, saying the movement represents a generation determined to reclaim its future.

With marches spreading beyond the capital to other regions, Madagascar faces growing instability as pressure mounts on its embattled leader.