Madagascar is facing a political crisis as President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled the country amid escalating protests led by the opposition group Zan-Gi. The protests, which began on September 25 over water and electricity shortages, quickly intensified into nationwide demonstrations addressing government corruption, mismanagement, and lack of basic services. According to opposition leaders, some military units rebelled and joined the demonstrators, prompting the President to leave the island nation on a French military plane bound for Paris. The President’s current location remains unknown, and a previously scheduled national address did not take place. French authorities, including President Emmanuel Macron, were reportedly involved in facilitating the move. Madagascar, with a population of nearly 30 million, faces deep economic challenges, with three-quarters of its citizens living below the poverty line and declining per capita GDP.

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has appointed Army General Ruffin Fortunat Zafisambo as the country’s new prime minister after dissolving the previous government amid intensifying nationwide protests. The demonstrations, now entering their third week, were triggered by widespread electricity outages and water shortages that have crippled daily life across the island nation. Protesters, led by the youth movement “Gen Z Madagascar,” are demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, chanting slogans like “Rajoelina Out” and “We are poor, angry, and unhappy.” Violence has escalated, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets, looting reported in several cities, and a night curfew imposed in the capital Antananarivo. President Rajoelina said the new prime minister’s main task is to restore law and order and rebuild public trust. Analysts say the unrest reflects a broader generational discontent seen in other African nations facing similar crises.

Mass protests led mainly by Madagascar’s Gen Z youth have continued for a third straight week, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. What began as demonstrations over chronic shortages of water and electricity has evolved into a broader movement against corruption, inequality, and government failure. Police in the capital Antananarivo used tear gas to disperse protesters, with clashes also reported in the cities of Toliara and Diego Suarez. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and over a hundred injured, though the government disputes these figures. President Rajoelina, who dissolved his cabinet last week, has refused to resign, saying he is open to dialogue but will not step down. Civil society groups have urged authorities to ensure the safety of demonstrators and release detained activists as public anger grows across the country.

Madagascar’s Gen-Z-led movement, inspired by youth protests in Kenya and Nepal, continues to intensify even after the government’s fall. Protesters are demanding a public apology from President Andry Rajoelina and the recently dismissed prime minister, as well as the removal of the capital’s administrator. Demonstrations have spread beyond Antananarivo to cities like Fenoarivo, Mahajanga, and Diego Suarez. Protesters highlight water shortages, power outages, and corruption, urging Rajoelina to resign. Despite the president’s televised promise to address crises and support businesses, young demonstrators expressed disappointment on social media. Since last week, the UN reports at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, though Madagascar’s foreign ministry disputes these figures. This is the largest uprising in recent years in the Indian Ocean island nation, posing the most significant challenge to Rajoelina since his disputed reelection in 2023.

Facing mounting protests by Gen Z demonstrators over acute shortages of electricity and water, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved his government.

“I apologize for the failures of my government,” Rajoelina said. “If ministers did not fulfill their duties, we admit our shortcomings and express regret. I understand the anger, suffering, and daily struggles caused by these shortages.”

Earlier, he had dismissed the energy minister for negligence, but protesters demanded the resignation of the president and the entire cabinet. On Monday, after thousands once again rallied in the streets, Rajoelina announced he had dismissed the prime minister and dissolved the government. Applications for the next prime minister will be accepted within three days, followed by the formation of a new cabinet.

Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the “unnecessary use of force” by security forces, reporting at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries.