Madagascar anti-government protesters take to the streets for third week

"Anti-government protests have erupted again in Madagascar, with demonstrators calling for President Andry Rajoelina to resign. Police fired tear gas at demonstrators on the streets of the capital, Antananarivo, on Monday, the start of a third consecutive week of protests. The unrest began over water and electricity cuts, but has evolved into broader anti-government anger against Rajoelina's administration. list of 3 itemsend of list Protesters have gathered in cities across the country, with local TV stations broadcasting footage"

"About a third of Madagascar's 30 million people have access to electricity, according to the International Monetary Fund. Daily power cuts often exceed eight hours, and Jirama, the state energy company, has been accused of corruption and mismanagement, fuelling public anger. People don't have refrigeration for medication, don't have water for basic hygiene, and then there's massive corruption, Ketakandriana Rafitoson, the global vice chair of Transparency International, told Reuters."

"The United Nations said on Monday that 22 people have been killed since the protests began, and more than 100 people have been injured, figures rejected by the government. The protests against Rajoelina's government began on September 25 in the capital, with thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets and erecting barricades with rocks and tyres. They were organised by Gen Z Madagascar, a social media youth group describing itself as a peaceful, civic movement."

Mass demonstrations have erupted across Madagascar calling for President Andry Rajoelina's resignation after widespread water and electricity cuts. Police have used tear gas against protesters in Antananarivo and clashes have been reported in Toliara and Antsiranana. The United Nations reports 22 deaths and more than 100 injuries since protests began on September 25, figures rejected by the government. Many rallies were organised by the youth group Gen Z Madagascar, which describes itself as a peaceful civic movement and cites inspiration from youth-led movements abroad. About a third of the population has electricity access; daily outages often exceed eight hours and the state utility Jirama faces corruption and mismanagement accusations that have fuelled public anger and affected medication refrigeration and basic hygiene.

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