Overview

• Authorities kept a 7 p.m.–5 a.m. curfew in Antananarivo and extended nighttime restrictions to Antsiranana, Majunga, Toliara and Antsirabe.
• Hospital sources reported at least five protesters killed during the clashes, a toll not yet confirmed by officials.
• Police used tear gas and rubber bullets as protests devolved into looting and arson, with a mall burned, cable car stations torched and homes of pro-government lawmakers attacked.
• The movement, mobilized largely on social media by young people, centers on chronic blackouts and water shortages blamed by critics on the state utility Jirama’s mismanagement.
• President Andry Rajoelina condemned the violence, characterized the unrest as a destabilization attempt and dismissed his energy minister, while French and British embassies urged caution and schools were closed in affected areas.