Gallery|ProtestsPolice fire tear gas as violence erupts in Madagascar protestsSecurity forces fire rubber bullets at protesters in Madagascar in eruption of violence leading to civil society alarm.
Recent events in Madagascar's capital have seen significant antigovernment protests, resulting in numerous injuries as police dispersed demonstrators forcefully during a youth-led movement. The protests have intensified following a call for a general…
Recent events in Madagascar's capital have seen significant antigovernment protests, resulting in numerous injuries as police dispersed demonstrators forcefully during a youth-led movement. The protests have intensified following a call for a general strike by activists.
The demonstrations, initially sparked by power and water outages, have grown into a wider antigovernment movement. On Thursday, approximately 1,000 protesters attempted to march towards Ambohijatovo Gardens but were met by security forces using armored vehicles, tear gas, and rubber bullets. The resulting confrontation led to street violence, with protesters reacting by throwing stones. This intervention caused tear gas to enter a nearby maternity facility, necessitating the evacuation of premature infants. At least four individuals were injured by rubber bullets, while two others suffered wounds from stun grenade fragments.
In response to the ongoing situation, over 200 civil society organizations expressed concerns about the increasing military presence in the country's governance. The United Nations has reported at least 22 fatalities during the initial phase of the protests, though this figure is contested by President Andry Rajoelina, who claims there were 12 deaths, all involving looters and vandals.
Recent events in Madagascar's capital have seen significant antigovernment protests, resulting in numerous injuries as police dispersed demonstrators forcefully during a youth-led movement.
The UN human rights office maintains that some victims were indeed protesters or bystanders affected by security force actions, with others succumbing to violence from criminal activities linked to the demonstrations. Protesters are now calling for a public apology from President Rajoelina for the violence experienced during the protests, shifting from their earlier demand for his resignation.
Despite Madagascar's abundant natural resources, the World Bank reported that nearly 75% of its 32 million population lived below the poverty line as of 2022. Additionally, the country's per capita gross domestic product has decreased from $812 in 1960 to $461 in 2025.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
