Madagascar President Dissolves Government After Deadly Gen Z Protests Kill 22

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina dissolved his government following three days of youth-led protests triggered by chronic water and power shortages, which the United Nations reports have resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries due to a violent security forces response. The protests, inspired by similar Gen Z movements in Kenya and Nepal, represent the largest unrest in Madagascar in years and the most serious challenge since Rajoelina's re-election in 2023. Rajoelina acknowledged the government's failures, apologized for unmet public expectations, and announced a three-day period for applications to form a new government, while the current Prime Minister and ministers serve on an interim basis. Protesters carried slogans such as "We want to live, not just survive," and adopted symbols and organizational tactics from recent youth protests abroad, demanding significant reforms or the president's resignation. Despite Rajoelina's promises of dialogue and reforms, many activists remain unsatisfied, insisting his resignation is necessary to resolve the crisis. The government's foreign ministry disputes the UN casualty figures, calling them based on misinformation, while demonstrations continue amid police efforts to disperse crowds with teargas.