Gen Z Protesters Refuse to Back Down: Madagascar's President Faces Ongoing Youth-Led Challenge

Youth-Led Protests Continue in Madagascar as President Rejects Demands ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR - Young protesters in Madagascar vowed to continue their fight for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina on Tuesday, rejecting his dissolution of the government as insufficient. According to eyewitnesses, demonstrators and police faced off on the streets of Antananarivo, the capital city, with 22 people killed and over 100 injured in the clashes. The unrest began on September 25 when local councillors were arrested for protesting against water and electricity outages. "We are the last hope," said 20-year-old protester Rina Rakoto, who was among those injured in the violence. "We will not back down until President Rajoelina resigns." Rajoelina's decision to dissolve the government on Monday was seen as a concession by some, but protesters argue it does not address their core demands for reforms and an end to corruption. "This is just a ploy to calm us down," said 22-year-old protester Mamy Andriamalala. "We want real change, not just words." The protests have been fueled by social media, with hashtags MadagascarOnStrike and RajoelinaMustGo trending on Twitter. The unrest has also drawn international attention, with the United Nations expressing concern over the violence. Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, with an average annual income of just $545 last year, according to the World Bank. The country has struggled with poverty, corruption, and poor governance for decades. The protests have been compared to those in Indonesia and Nepal, where governments were toppled by youth-led movements. However, analysts say Madagascar's situation is more complex due to its fragile economy and history of authoritarian rule. "We are not just fighting for ourselves, but for the future of our country," said Rakoto. "We will continue to protest until our demands are met." The current status of the protests remains uncertain, with both sides dug in. The government has vowed to maintain order, while protesters have pledged to continue their fight for change. As the situation unfolds, international observers will be watching closely to see if Madagascar's youth-led movement can bring about meaningful reforms and an end to corruption. *Reporting by Theguardian.*