Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved the government following three days of deadly protests over water and power cuts, which have claimed at least 22 lives and injured over 100 people, according to the United Nations.
The protests, inspired by similar movements in Kenya and Nepal, are the largest the island nation has seen in years and pose the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since his re-election in 2023.
In a televised speech, Rajoelina acknowledged the government’s shortcomings, stating, “We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them.”
This move comes after weeks of growing frustration among citizens over persistent power outages and water shortages, with many blaming the government’s poor infrastructure and lack of planning.
