from MARIO RAJOMAZANDRY in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Madagascar Bureau
ANTANANARIVO, (CAJ News) – THE Indian Ocean island country of Madagascar has plunged into unrest amid state security responding heavy-handedly to protests over power cuts and water shortages.
An unspecified number of people have been killed or arrested, with no sign of the crisis abating in what is the most severe pushback to the administration of President Andry Rajoelina, in power since 2019.
Youths, known as the Gen Z, are at the forefront of the protests that began on September 22 and spread across the country that suffers daily power cuts of up to 12 hours.
Protests peaked as Rajoelina was attending the United Nations General Assembly in the United States.
Authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Antananarivo, to control the unrest, during which shops were looted and pro-government politicians’ homes attacked.
Security forces are accused of opening live ammunition against the protesters, who remain defiant.
To make matters worse, the internet has been cut.
On Sunday, the president attended the assembly of the Security and Peace Forces and tasked them with restoring order.
“We don’t bring destructive mentality to develop this country. We are builders not destroyers,” he also appealed to the public.
The human rights group, WhatsApp Antillaise, has denounced the crackdown.
“In Madagascar, citizens are dying under bullets for demanding water and electricity. The response of those in power: Repression, curfew, silence,” it lamented.
The organisations drew comparisons with the widespread protests and violent confrontations in the French overseas territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe. These riots are over cost-of-living increases.
“As in Guadeloupe and Martinique, when the people dare to rise up against injustice, the state never responds with dialogue but with the baton. Same fight (as in Madagascar), same contempt, same shame.”
Madagascar is an ex-French colony.
Despite the crackdown by authorities, protesters are undeterred.
“We are only asking for our basic rights: clean water and reliable electricity,” said Mirindra Rakotovao.
“We are tired of the incompetence of a head of state who cannot set priorities and has led the country into shambles.”
Rajoelina (51) has been in power for over six years.
He was previously president of a provisional government from 2009 to 2014 following a political crisis and military-backed coup.
In 2023, Rajoelina assumed his second term as president amid a boycott by opposition parties that challenged the election results that placed him at 58,96 percent.
Critics accuse him of running the country of over 32 million people with an iron fist.
Kema Sayan, an activist, said, “Today, in Madagascar, the freedom to express oneself is becoming a luxury, even though Article 10 of our Constitution guarantees the right to opinion and expression.”
Rajoelina’s dismissal of the energy minister, Olivier Jean-Baptiste, this past weekend has not calmed the situation.
The state-owned electricity and water company, JIRAMA, struggles with inefficient production, major transmission and distribution losses, and tariffs that are far below cost recovery.
Allegations of corruption and mismanagement also plague the parastatal, with a former CEO sentenced for abuse of office in 2024.
A severe drought has also impacted on water provision and electricity generation.
Embassies are concerned at the prevailing unrest.
The United States embassy notified there would be no routine consular services today (Monday), a day organisers of the protests set for new demonstrations.
The Chinese embassy in Madagascar advised its citizens and institutions to monitor the local security situation, increase vigilance, strengthen protective measures and close businesses as well as reduce non-essential outings.
On Sunday, Ambassador Ji Ping held a discussion with leaders of the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Madagascar.
“As a staunch supporter of enterprises, the Embassy will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese-funded enterprises in Madagascar,” Ping said.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, expressed concern at the destruction of socio-economic activities.
“The Chairperson expresses concern over the ongoing developments in the country and calls for restraint and calm, while encouraging dialogue to resolve the situation,” his spokesperson said.
– CAJ News