Madagascar protests leave 22 dead after power cuts and poverty spark unrest

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved his government after days of deadly unrest that left at least 22 people dead, according to the United Nations. The protests, driven largely by a youth movement known as Gen Z, were sparked by chronic power cuts, water shortages and widespread poverty. Beginning on Thursday, thousands of mostly young demonstrators took to the streets, holding signs that read “We want to live, not survive” and demanding Rajoelina’s resignation. The president, however, has given no indication that he will step down.

In a televised national address, Rajoelina announced the termination of the Prime Minister’s functions and the dissolution of the cabinet, saying a new government is needed to address the country’s challenges. He set a three‑day deadline to review proposals for a new prime minister, while the current Prime Minister, Christian Ntsay, and other ministers will remain in an interim capacity until a new administration can be formed.

Madagascar, a large island off the east coast of southern Africa, ranks among the bottom ten countries on the UN’s Human Development Index. In 2022, three‑quarters of its 30 million inhabitants lived below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. Electricity access is limited, with just over a third of the population connected to the grid and daily, hours‑long outages common.

The United Nations human‑rights office reported that 22 people were killed in clashes surrounding the protests, including protesters and bystanders shot by security forces, as well as victims of subsequent violence and looting. More than 100 people were injured. While the government disputes the UN’s death toll, it has not released its own casualty figures.

The Gen Z movement in Madagascar has adopted a pirate flag from the Japanese anime series *One Piece* as its rallying symbol. This emblem has also appeared in youth‑led protests in other countries, such as Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines and France, reflecting the global connections and inspirations of the demonstrations. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching how the government responds to the protesters’ demands and addresses the underlying issues driving the unrest.