Madagascar Protests Kill 22; PM Ousted, Govt Disputes Toll

Youth-led “Gen Z” protests have swept Madagascar demanding an end to chronic water and power cuts, with thousands marching in Antananarivo and other cities and organizers calling for fresh demonstrations and a general strike. President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the government and dismissed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, apologized and invited applications for a new cabinet, but the move failed to placate demonstrators who continue to demand his resignation. Security forces have used tear gas, stun grenades, rubber bullets and, in some reports, live rounds to disperse crowds; the U.N. human rights office says at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured, figures the government disputes. The movement, organized largely via social media and driven mainly by young people, has broadened to working-class districts and drawn inspiration from recent Gen Z uprisings regionally. Reports describe ongoing clashes, arrests, some looting and roadblocks, and the U.N. has condemned the security forces’ violent response, while it remains unclear whether the government shake-up will calm the unrest.