Unrest Over Basic Utilities Spirals as Young Demonstrators Clash with Authorities.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, to voice their anger over frequent power and water outages affecting homes and businesses for many hours daily. The disturbances turned violent after law enforcement used tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowds, resulting in looting and arson across parts of the city.
In response to growing unrest, the government imposed a nighttime curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., stating that this measure was necessary to restore order. Protesters blocked roads, set fires, and attacked properties belonging to political figures. Homes of three pro-government parliamentarians were reportedly torched, and damage to commercial infrastructure was widespread.
The “Gen Z”-led movement, driven by youth fed up with corruption, poverty, and lack of services, has rejected government offers to negotiate. Calls for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina persist as locals demand not just basic utilities but systemic change. Meanwhile, the government is under pressure to respond meaningfully amid reports of deaths and hundreds of injuries.