Scenes of absolute destruction prevail in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, where authorities imposed a curfew on Thursday (26/9) following violent protests that erupted due to frequent power outages and water shortages, according to a senior security official who spoke to Reuters. During the clashes, police used tear gas to disperse thousands of mostly young protesters who marched carrying banners through the city, an eyewitness reported.
At the same time, the capital’s airport has also been closed, with all flights canceled, increasing the disruption. Protesters condemned the government of President Andry Rajoelina and demanded the restoration of water and electricity supply throughout the country. The images exclusively obtained by parapolitika.gr capture the explosive situation and chaos prevailing in the capital’s streets.
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Scenes of destruction in Madagascar: Angry citizens protest over electricity and water while vandalizing the city
According to Reuters reports, protesters condemned the government of President Andry Rajoelina, who was re-elected in 2023, and demanded the restoration of reliable water and electricity supply throughout the country. As stated by General Angelo Ravelonarivo, head of a joint police and military force, “unfortunately, there are individuals who are taking advantage of the situation to destroy other people’s property”. Indeed, to protect residents and their property, security forces decided to impose a curfew from 19:00 to 05:00 “until public order is restored,” the announcement stated.
Madagascar: Lawmakers’ homes vandalized, major shopping center set ablaze
Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is sinking into poverty, and some blame President Andry Rajoelina’s government for failing to improve conditions. During protests earlier on Thursday, a major shopping center in the capital was looted and subsequently set on fire, while the homes of two lawmakers suffered looting and vandalism, according to a Reuters eyewitness.
The protesters, who ignored the previous police ban on gathering, marched shouting: “We need water, we need electricity”. After the protests were dispersed, they subsequently spread to various neighborhoods of the capital. Security force spokesperson Zafisabatra Ravoavy was not available for comment. On Wednesday, national police chief Jean Herber Andriantahiana Rakotomalala warned that security forces would “take strict preventive measures against those seeking to violate the law”.
