The government of Madagascar has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital city of Antananarivo following violent protests over frequent power outages and water shortages.
Thousands of protesters, mostly youths, defied a police ban and took to the streets, chanting “We need water, we need electricity” and denouncing the government.
Security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters, who also engaged in looting and vandalism.
A large shopping mall was looted and burned, and the homes of two lawmakers were vandalized. General Angelo Ravelonarivo, head of a joint security body, announced the curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. “until public order is restored” to protect citizens and their belongings.
The protests reflect deep-seated frustrations with Madagascar’s leadership and poor infrastructure. Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is mired in poverty, with some blaming the government of President Andry Rajoelina, who was re-elected in 2023, for failing to improve conditions.
