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Rajoelina Calls Protests an Attempted Coup as New Clashes Rock Madagascar

The president has yet to appoint a new prime minister after dismissing his cabinet this week.

Overview

  • Fresh confrontations broke out in Antananarivo, where security forces sealed the city center and fired tear gas, with additional rallies reported in Mahajanga, Toliara and Fianarantsoa.
  • Despite sacking his government, President Andry Rajoelina has not named a new prime minister, while a protest collective demanded consultation on the choice and requested four more days for the selection process.
  • The United Nations counts at least 22 dead and hundreds injured since protests began, a toll disputed by Madagascar’s foreign ministry, as the movement calls for an international investigation into alleged security-force abuses.
  • Six embassies and the EU delegation urged a constructive dialogue and restraint, and Amnesty International said the right to peaceful assembly is being violently attacked.
  • The Gen Z–led mobilization, born from anger over water and power cuts, now demands Rajoelina’s resignation, dissolution of several institutions, and a trial of businessman Many Ravatomanga, alongside calls for a general strike backed by unions including Jirama and the inspectors’ union.