Madagascar President Dissolves Government Amid Deadly Youth Protests

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved his government in response to intense youth-led protests over chronic water and electricity shortages, which have plunged the island nation into unrest and claimed at least 22 lives. The protests, inspired by similar Gen Z movements in Kenya and Nepal, reflect deep frustrations among young Malagasy demanding not only basic services but also broad political reforms.

For over a week, massive demonstrations have rocked the capital Antananarivo and other cities, with young protesters chanting “We want to live, not survive,” condemning government mismanagement and the ongoing power cuts and water shortages caused by dysfunction in the state utility company. The situation escalated after the detention of city politicians who organized peaceful protests, fueling nationwide outrage.

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In a televised address, Rajoelina acknowledged the government’s failures, apologized for the hardships caused by outages, and announced the termination of his prime minister and cabinet, inviting applications for new ministerial positions via email and LinkedIn. Despite these concessions, demonstrators remain defiant, calling for the president himself to step down, wary of political manipulation and emphasizing transparency in any negotiations.

Madagascar remains one of the world’s poorest countries despite abundant natural resources, with 75% of its 32 million people living below the poverty line. The recent crisis underscores longstanding grievances over governance, corruption, and economic inequality that have galvanized a confident, connected younger generation to demand change.