Tensions Rise in Madagascar as Youth Protest Against President Rajoelina's Promises

Security forces in Madagascar have fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the latest youth-led protest following two weeks of anti-government demonstrations that have rocked the Indian Ocean island.

At least 1,000 protesters marched through Madagascar's capital on Thursday, some hurling objects at security personnel.

The movement behind the protest, known as Gen Z Mada, rejected President Andry Rajoelina's offer to attend talks on Wednesday, demanding once again that he resign.

The group argued they could not engage with a government that has been repressing them as they demand basic human rights.

Security forces charged at protesters with armored vehicles, news agency AFP reported on Thursday, adding that police had made numerous arrests.

The protests began on September 25 triggered by anger over persistent power and water shortages, and have escalated into broader dissatisfaction over corruption, high unemployment, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Rajoelina held a town-hall-style meeting at his palace on Wednesday with various groups of government supporters, despite Gen Z Mada's decision not to attend, and said he would step down in a year's time if he hadn't addressed their concerns by then.

I swear that if power cuts persist in the capital within a year, I will resign, he assured attendees, highlighting ongoing power projects aimed at adding 265 megawatts to the national grid.

Rajoelina has been holding these meetings to pledge to listen more, emphasizing that solutions can be found through honest conversations and not protests.

The Gen Z Mada group called for a nationwide strike on Thursday, following the expiry of their 48-hour ultimatum for the president to resign, and have vowed to continue their struggle.

Last week, Rajoelina dismissed his entire government and appointed an army general as prime minister; however, the protest movement rejected this appointment.

Rajoelina came to power in 2009 through mass protests that led to military intervention to overthrow then-President Marc Ravalomanana.

Despite the movement's continued push for his resignation, the scale of street protests appears to have diminished. Life in the capital, Antananarivo, remains largely normal, though some areas are heavily monitored by police.

According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have died during clashes with security forces, although authorities contest these figures.