Madagascar enters third week of protests as calls for president’s resignation grow

Protesters in Madagascar returned to the streets on Monday for a third week of demonstrations, demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.

The youth-led protests were triggered by prolonged water and power cuts in the Indian Ocean island.

Malagasy media showed images of police officers confronting protesters in some cities.

Rajoelina fired his government last week in an attempt to placate public anger but this has not satisfied the demonstrators.

They now demand that the 51-year-old leader join his dissolved cabinet.

It is the most serious challenge Rajoelina has faced since his re-election in 2023.

According to the United Nations (UN), at least 22 people were killed and 100 others injured in the initial days of the protests.

Madagascar’s foreign ministry rejected the figures, saying the data was “based on rumours or misinformation”.

A counter-protest aimed at garnering support for the president failed to gather momentum on Sunday.

In a separate statement on Monday, the presidency said some civil society organisations had met Rajoelina on Saturday. No details were provided.

After sacking his cabinet, Rajoelina said he would listen to the protester’s demands. But so far, the president has ignored calls for his resignation.