The Southern African Development Community has condemned deadly protests in Madagascar over crippling power and water shortages. In a statement, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi described the unrest as tragic, saying it has already caused deaths, injuries, and widespread destruction in the capital Antananarivo and beyond. He urged all sides to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue.
The demonstrations, which began on September 25, have been driven by frustration over daily power cuts lasting more than 12 hours and severe water shortages. Young protesters clashed with police, who fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds. The violence has since spread to cities including Antsirabe, Antsiranana, Majunga, and Toliara.
President Andry Rajoelina has denounced the unrest as “acts of destabilisation in the form of a coup d’état.” He has dismissed his energy minister in an attempt to calm tensions, while authorities have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew after scenes of looting and arson left shops, banks, and homes in ruins.
