Antananarivo, Madagascar: Facing intense nationwide protests over prolonged water and electricity shortages, President Andry Rajoelina has announced the dissolution of his government. He made the announcement during a televised address to the nation on Monday.
Rajoelina stated, “We acknowledge that members of the government have failed to fulfill their expected responsibilities, and for this, we apologize.” He further confirmed that the Prime Minister and the entire cabinet have been dismissed, and applications for a new Prime Minister will be accepted within the next three days.
The protests began last Thursday in the capital, Antananarivo, and quickly spread to eight other cities. Thousands of young demonstrators took to the streets, chanting: “We want to live, not just survive.”
The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, expressed concern over the use of force by security personnel to quell the protests. According to UN reports, at least 22 people have been killed and hundreds injured, including both protesters and bystanders. However, Madagascar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disputed these figures, calling them inaccurate.
Due to escalating violence, a night-to-dawn curfew has been imposed in Antananarivo. Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas in attempts to disperse protesters. The UN has also reported instances of arbitrary arrests, beatings, and live ammunition being fired by security forces.
Initially, President Rajoelina attempted to address the crisis by dismissing only the Minister of Energy. However, protesters demanded the resignation of the entire government, which intensified the movement.
In his address, Rajoelina acknowledged the public’s anger, sorrow, and hardship, and indicated readiness to engage in dialogue with the youth. Protesters, however, claimed that hired thugs vandalized government buildings and looted property in an attempt to weaken the movement.
Source: Local media reports