Protesters hold placards during a demonstration against frequent water and electricity outages in Antananarivo on September 25, 2025. The placard reads: “The government has abandoned its people without water, without electricity, without security. Too much injustice and corruption. Enough!” Getty Images/AFP/RIJASOLO
According to BBC and Associated Press
President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina resigned from the office of head of state, as well as the prime minister and the entire government, after almost a week of mass protests by youth demanding a stable water supply and a reliable electricity supply.
According to the United Nations, 22 people were killed during the demonstrations, and thousands of citizens urged the authorities to be held accountable and to restore reliable communications. Information from international media outlets is consistent on the scale of the protest movement.
Protests began in the capital Antananarivo on September 25 and spread to eight cities across the country. The participants, mostly Generation Z youth, demanded better water supply and continuous electricity, and later clashes between protesters and security forces occurred, during which tear gas was used.
Government Response and Next Steps
In response to the escalating tensions on September 29, Rajoelina announced the resignation of the entire government. He also said that ministers would temporarily assume duties while a new cabinet is formed, and invited candidates to apply for the post of prime minister within three days.
A curfew has been imposed in Antananarivo, and protesters continue to demand accountability for the dead and for the inadequate provision of water and electricity. Police again used tear gas to disperse the crowd, and media reports of new demonstrations in other regions of the country have been coming in.
Although the protests have resonated widely both domestically and internationally, the government says it is prepared to act within the law to restore normal provision of essential services to the population and to support stability in Madagascar.
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