Overview
- President Andry Rajoelina fired his cabinet and appointed Gen. Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister, later prioritizing new ministers for the army, public security and the gendarmerie.
- Protest leaders called the proposed dialogue a sham and announced a general strike with fresh demonstrations in Antananarivo on Thursday.
- The movement’s updated demands drop an earlier call for Rajoelina’s resignation and seek a public apology, a refounded constitutional court, the dissolution of the Senate or removal of its president, and investigations into ally Mamy Ravatomanga.
- Security forces have used tear gas to disperse gatherings as curfews persist, while the UN cites at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, figures disputed by authorities.
- Turnout has dipped from initial peaks but protests continue nationwide, with ACLED ranking September as the second-busiest month for demonstrations since 1997.