Madagascar's President Dissolves Government Amid Youth-Led Protests
In a dramatic move, Madagascar's president, Andry Rajoelina, announced the dissolution of his government on Monday, following days of widespread protests led by young people over longstanding water and power cuts. The decision comes after thousands of predominantly young demonstrators took to the streets in cities across the island nation since Thursday, under the rallying cry: "We want to live, not survive."
According to reports from the BBC World, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the unrest, with the UN's human rights chief condemning the "unnecessary force" used by security forces to quell the protests. The demonstrations were inspired by similar gen-Z protests in Kenya and Nepal.
The protests began on Thursday, with demonstrators calling for an end to the water and power cuts that have plagued the country for months. Police fired teargas to disperse the crowd after authorities declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew last week, but the protesters continued to march through the streets, demanding change.
In his televised national address, President Rajoelina acknowledged the government's failures and apologized for any shortcomings. "We acknowledge and apologize if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them," he said. However, the decision to dissolve the government has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some welcoming the move as a step towards change, while others are skeptical about its impact.
The protests in Madagascar have highlighted the deep-seated issues facing the country's youth, who are demanding better living conditions and an end to corruption. "We want to live, not survive," is the rallying cry of the protesters, who feel that their future is being compromised by the government's inability to provide basic services.
According to The Guardian, the protests have been inspired by similar movements in Kenya and Nepal, where young people are also demanding change from their governments. The UN has called for restraint from security forces and an investigation into the use of force against protesters.
The dissolution of the government is a significant development in Madagascar's politics, but it remains to be seen whether it will lead to meaningful change. President Rajoelina has promised to establish a new government, but details are scarce at this stage.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the youth of Madagascar have made their voices heard, and their demands for better living conditions and an end to corruption will not be ignored.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and The Guardian.
