22 killed as Malagasy youth take to streets - Government dissolved

In a decisive response to escalating protests over chronic electricity and water shortages, President Andry Rajoelina announced on Monday the dissolution of the Malagasy government. Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and the entire cabinet have been dismissed, though they will serve in an interim capacity until new appointments are made. Rajoelina has invited applications for new government positions.

The protests, predominantly led by youth, began on September 25 and quickly spread across the nation. Demonstrators, inspired by recent "Gen Z" movements in Nepal and Kenya, have been calling for reliable access to essential services, the resignation of President Rajoelina, and the holding of new elections. The movement has adopted the slogan "Leo Délestage" ("Fed up with load shedding"), reflecting widespread frustration over persistent power outages and water shortages.

According to the United Nations human rights office, at least 22 people have been killed, and over 100 injured in the unrest. The agency condemned the "violent response" by security forces, which included the use of tear gas, beatings, and live ammunition against initially peaceful demonstrators. Some fatalities also resulted from unrelated gang activity amid the protests.

In an effort to quell the unrest, authorities have imposed a nighttime curfew in the capital, Antananarivo, and other major cities. The government has also dismissed the energy minister and pledged to focus on improving public services.

The ongoing crisis underscores deep-seated issues of poverty and inadequate infrastructure in Madagascar, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to basic utilities. The government's response to the protests will likely have long-term implications for its legitimacy and the nation's political stability.