Madagascar Police Disperse Protests With Tear Gas Over Power, Water Cuts

Police in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, fired tear gas and rubber bullets on Thursday to disperse hundreds of demonstrators protesting against prolonged electricity outages and water shortages, in unrest that forced the government to impose a nighttime curfew.

The protests, largely driven by young people and mobilised through social media, erupted despite an earlier government ban.

Demonstrators marched through the city centre carrying banners and chanting demands for reliable utilities. Many complained that homes had been left without electricity for more than 12 hours at a stretch, while water supplies had also become increasingly erratic.

As protesters attempted to converge on Ambohijatovo district, security forces intervened with crowd-control measures.

Clashes broke out, with demonstrators erecting barricades, burning tyres, and hurling stones. At least three people were arrested, while shops, banks, and even the homes of politicians linked to President Andry Rajoelina were vandalised.

Reports also indicated that cable car stations were set ablaze, adding to the destruction.

In response to the escalating violence, authorities declared a curfew across Antananarivo, restricting movement between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Officials said the measure was necessary to restore calm and protect public safety, though critics argue it fails to address the root causes of discontent.

The unrest highlights growing frustration over basic services in Madagascar, where infrastructure challenges and governance issues have left many citizens without consistent access to power and water. While the government has yet to outline concrete steps to improve supply, Thursday’s events underscore the urgency of the crisis.

Analysts warn that unless lasting solutions are found, public anger could intensify, further destabilising the country’s political and social landscape.