Thousands protest in Madagascar’s capital demanding president Andry Rajoelina resign

The unrest followed Rajoelina’s determination connected Monday to disregard Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and his government, but nan president gave nary motion he would measurement down contempt increasing calls for his departure.

The demonstrations, which began connected Thursday, person been fuelled by chronic powerfulness cuts and h2o shortages and intensified done societal media. The United Nations quality authorities agency said 22 group had been killed successful clashes, blaming what it called a convulsive consequence by information forces, while much than 100 others person been injured. Authorities successful Madagascar disputed nan U.N. figures but person not released their own.

A nighttime curfew remains successful spot successful Antananarivo and different cities, arsenic protesters, galore wearing symbols borrowed from younker movements abroad, denounce wide poorness and failing services. Madagascar, location to 31 cardinal people, has seen poorness successful municipality areas emergence sharply successful caller years, pinch anger now directed astatine Rajoelina, who has been successful powerfulness since 2019 and was re-elected past twelvemonth successful a contested vote.