Madagascar's President Dissolves Government Amid Youth-Led Protests
In a sudden move, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina announced the dissolution of his government on Monday, following days of widespread youth-led protests over longstanding water and power cuts. The decision comes as the island nation grapples with its worst economic crisis in decades.
According to Reuters, thousands of predominantly young demonstrators have taken to the streets in cities across Madagascar since Thursday, under the rallying cry: "We want to live, not survive." The protests, inspired by similar movements in Kenya and Nepal, have left at least 22 people dead and over 100 injured, according to the United Nations' human rights chief.
The UN's Michelle Bachelet condemned the "unnecessary force" used by security forces to quell the unrest. "We are concerned about the use of excessive force by law enforcement officials against peaceful protesters," she said in a statement. "The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right, and it must be respected."
President Rajoelina acknowledged the government's shortcomings in a televised national address on Monday. "We acknowledge and apologize if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them," he said.
Police had fired teargas to disperse the crowd after authorities declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew last week, according to The Guardian. The protests have been marked by widespread discontent with the government's handling of the economic crisis, which has led to severe water and power cuts affecting millions of people.
The situation in Madagascar is complex, with deep-seated issues related to poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services. According to a report by the World Bank, Madagascar's economy has been struggling due to a decline in agricultural production, a key sector for the country.
As the government dissolves, President Rajoelina has promised to form a new administration that will address the concerns of the protesters. "We will work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of our people are met," he said.
The current situation on the ground remains tense, with security forces maintaining a heavy presence in major cities. The international community is watching closely, with many calling for restraint and respect for human rights.
In the coming days, Madagascar's new government will face significant challenges in addressing the economic crisis and restoring trust among its citizens. As President Rajoelina said, "We must work together to build a better future for our country."
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and The Guardian.
