Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina, has announced he will dissolve his government after days of protests led by young people over ongoing water and power cuts.
He acknowledged that some government officials had not done their jobs properly and apologised to the public in a televised address on Monday.
The protests, mostly involving young people and called the Gen-Z protests, have seen thousands take to the streets in cities across Madagascar since Thursday, demanding better living conditions.
The UN’s human rights chief condemned what he called the unnecessary use of force by security forces, reporting that at least 22 people have died and 100 others have been injured.
Madagascar’s foreign ministry rejected the UN’s figures, saying they were based on rumours or misinformation.
The demonstrations started in the capital, Antananarivo, and have spread to eight other cities. Authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital after reports of violence and looting, with police using rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds.
The UNHCR head, Volker Türk, said he was shocked by the violent crackdown, which included arrests, beatings, and live bullets being used against demonstrators.
He called on security forces to stop using disproportionate force and to release all arbitrarily detained protesters.
According to the UN, the deaths include protesters and bystanders killed by security forces, as well as others who died during widespread violence and looting by people not involved in the protests.
Last week, the president fired the energy minister for failing to do his job properly, but protesters have been calling for the resignation of the president and the entire government.
Thousands returned to the streets again on Monday.
In a broadcast on state channel Televiziona Malagasy, Rajoelina said he understood the anger, sadness, and hardships caused by power outages and water shortages.
He announced that he had dismissed the prime minister and the government, adding that applications for a new prime minister would be accepted over the next three days before a new government is formed.
In the meantime, he said those currently in office would continue to serve as interim ministers until the new government takes over.
More: BBC News
Leave a Reply Cancel reply