Gen Z Protests in Madagascar Cause Over 20 Deaths, Demand President Rajoelina Resign

Youth-led protests in Madagascar, spearheaded by the Gen Z movement, have surged since late September, demanding President Andry Rajoelina's resignation amid worsening shortages of water and electricity. The demonstrations, which have spread across multiple cities including the capital Antananarivo and the vanilla-producing region of Sambava, reflect deep frustration over poverty, corruption, and government failures to provide basic services. Despite Rajoelina's dismissal of his cabinet and calls for dialogue, protests continue with heightened security measures, including police barricades and curfews, and have resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries according to United Nations reports, though the government disputes these figures. Protesters insist on transparent and public negotiations, rejecting accusations of looting and voicing distrust toward the president's intentions. The unrest underscores long-standing political instability in Madagascar, with experts warning of potential fragmentation if meaningful dialogue is not achieved. Opposition groups back the protests, and the government signals a possible crackdown amid ongoing tensions.