According to the latest reports, on the evening of September 29 local time, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina announced a major decision in a televised address: the immediate dismissal of the Prime Minister and all members of the government, with a commitment to appoint a new Prime Minister and form a cabinet within three days. This move was seen by the international community as an urgent response to the escalating social crisis.
In his address, Rajoelina publicly apologized to the people, acknowledging the government’s failure to meet basic public needs and stating he “fully understands the concerns and frustrations of young people.” He simultaneously announced an emergency relief plan to mitigate economic losses, offering interest-free loans, special subsidies, and tax relief to businesses and shops recently targeted in looting incidents.
Protests Sparked by Water and Power Shortages
The change in government stemmed from escalating protests over living conditions. Starting September 25, large-scale demonstrations erupted in the capital Antananarivo and other cities, with citizens expressing strong dissatisfaction over water shortages and power outages. The protests escalated into violent incidents, with shops and homes looted and set ablaze in multiple locations. A large shopping mall was burned down, and the residences of two parliamentarians were vandalized, resulting in casualties and significant property damage.
To control the situation, a curfew has been imposed in Antananarivo. The Chinese Embassy in Madagascar has issued a safety advisory urging Chinese nationals in the country to be aware of risks and minimize outings, as some Chinese-owned shops have already been affected. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has previously expressed concern over the local violence and called on all parties to exercise restraint.
New Cabinet Confronts Mounting Challenges
Despite Rajoelina’s attempt to quell public anger by dissolving the government, the new cabinet will still face severe challenges. As one of the economically underdeveloped nations in southeastern Africa, Madagascar suffers from weak infrastructure and longstanding deficiencies in its electricity and water supply systems. The governance gaps exposed by this crisis cannot be remedied in the short term.
Analysts note that the president must push the new government to deliver concrete solutions swiftly, or risk triggering fresh social unrest. The international community is closely monitoring the nation’s political developments, expecting the new cabinet to prioritize addressing pressing public concerns and rebuilding social trust.
