Demonstrators across Madagascar rallied for a fifth straight day on Wednesday, demanding President Andry Rajoelina step down amid mounting anger over nationwide water shortages and rolling power cuts, local TV footage showed.
Inspired in part by youth-led protests in Kenya and Nepal, the unrest is the most significant challenge to Rajoelina since his 2023 re-election. The rallies began in the capital last week and have spread to multiple cities, including Toliara in the southwest, despite the president’s move late Monday to dissolve the government.
A statement posted on the protest movement’s Facebook page called for Rajoelina’s resignation and the dissolution of the electoral commission, Senate and Constitutional Court.
The United Nations says at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the protests erupted, figures the government disputes. Footage from privately owned Radio Télévision Siteny showed marchers chanting “Rajoelina out,” waving national flags and banners, and moving under escort by security forces and rickshaws.
The government did not immediately comment. On social media, presidential spokesperson Lova Ranoromaro condemned looting and property damage, warning against any coup attempt. “We do not want a coup d’état,” she wrote, arguing it would harm the country’s future.
Opposition leader Rivo Rakotovao said the Firaisankina alliance would refuse to join any new government as long as Rajoelina remains in office and urged him to resign. “We fully support this action to rescue the Malagasy people and rebuild the nation, led by the Malagasy people and driven by the youth,” he told reporters.
Rajoelina first seized power in a 2009 coup, stepped down in 2014, returned via the 2018 election, and won a third term in December 2023 in a vote his opponents say was tainted by irregularities.
From the Vatican, Pope Leo expressed sorrow over the violence in the predominantly Christian country and urged all sides to pursue justice and the common good while avoiding further bloodshed.