Authorities in Madagascar have declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital Antananarivo after demonstrations over chronic electricity and water shortages escalated into violence.
The protests broke out on Thursday as hundreds of residents expressed frustration over power outages lasting more than 12 hours, leaving households and businesses in the dark. Riot police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Demonstrators blocked roads with stones and burning tyres, and reports later emerged of looting at shops, appliance stores and banks across the city of 1.4 million. Several stations of the recently launched cable car system were also set ablaze. Local media reported that three homes belonging to politicians aligned with President Andry Rajoelina were attacked.
Although the rally had been banned a day earlier on security grounds, large groups still gathered across the city. Security forces deployed in large numbers from the morning, but clashes continued into the afternoon.
General Angelo Ravelonarivo, head of a joint security unit of police and military, said some people were exploiting the unrest to destroy private property. He announced on Real TV that a curfew from 7pm to 5am (16:00–02:00 GMT) would remain in place until order was restored.
Madagascar, an Indian Ocean nation where poverty remains widespread, has faced longstanding frustrations over basic services. The World Bank estimated that by 2022, about 75 percent of the population of 30 million lived below the poverty line. Many residents blame President Rajoelina’s government, re-elected in 2023, for failing to improve living standards.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Water and electricity are basic human needs,” “Let us speak out,” and “Malagasy people, wake up.” The movement, largely driven by young people, gained momentum on social media in recent days, particularly on Facebook.
Unrest was also reported in provincial towns, where protesters targeted offices of the national water and electricity company, which they accuse of mismanagement. It remains unclear how many were injured or if there were fatalities during the clashes.
