Violence Erupts in Madagascar as Youth Protests Turn Deadly

TDT | Antananarivo

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Madagascar’s security forces have blamed protesters for the outbreak of violence during ongoing youth-led demonstrations, saying their response was triggered by the crowd’s behavior.

The Indian Ocean island nation has witnessed near-daily rallies over alleged misgovernance and disruptions to basic services, including water and electricity. Tensions boiled over on Saturday in the capital, Antananarivo, as demonstrators clashed with police, gendarmes, and the army.

“Certain individuals engaged in violent acts and did not follow the instructions of security forces,” the country’s joint command said in a statement. “The measures taken by our forces on the ground are directly dependent on the behavior of protesters.”

Since the unrest began on September 25, at least 22 people have died and hundreds more have been injured, according to the United Nations. The UN condemned the use of live ammunition and other heavy-handed tactics, noting that some victims were bystanders or protesters, while others were caught in violence linked to criminal gangs and looters. The government, however, has dismissed these casualty figures as exaggerated or based on misinformation.

By Sunday, calm returned to Antananarivo. Streets were quieter, with only churchgoers and worshippers seen moving to and from services. This marked a stark contrast to Saturday’s chaos, when thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. Police had responded with volleys of tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Pro-government supporters also held a rally, though turnout was smaller than the opposition-led protest. Earlier in the week, President Rajoelina dissolved his government in a bid to ease public anger, a move that has yet to fully quell tensions.