ANTANANARIVO — Authorities said emergency measures will remain in place “until public order is restored” after protests over persistent power cuts and water shortages spiraled into some of the most serious unrest in years.
Hundreds of mostly young demonstrators defied a government ban in the capital on Thursday, erecting burning-tyre and rock barricades across major roads. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds. By afternoon, reports emerged of looting at retailers, appliance stores and banks, and several stations of the city’s new cable car system were set ablaze.
Local media also reported attacks on three homes of politicians allied with President Andry Rajoelina. Hospital sources said at least five people were killed, with an unspecified number injured, as clashes intensified.
Security forces blamed “bad actors” for hijacking the protests to vandalize property, while some legislators framed the movement as a politically driven plot. Organizers and residents say the anger reflects mounting hardship as frequent 12-hour electricity outages and unreliable water supply batter households and small businesses.
Despite rich mineral and biodiversity resources, Madagascar remains among the world’s poorest countries, with roughly 75% of the population living below the poverty line. The outages have sharpened frustrations over governance and basic service delivery, turning a long-simmering grievance into a direct challenge for the administration.
Authorities did not specify how long restrictions would last, but said deployments would continue around key infrastructure and commercial areas. Community leaders urged calm and called for dialogue on concrete timelines to stabilize power and water services.
As night fell, security forces expanded patrols in flashpoint neighborhoods and near transport hubs, warning that further attempts to gather would be dispersed. The government said it would provide updates on restoration efforts and investigate the violence and arson that accompanied the protests.
