Madagascar president dissolves government following deadly protests

ANTANANARIVO —Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina said on Monday he was dissolving the government following youth-led protests over water and power cuts in which the United Nations says at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured.

Inspired by the so-called "Gen Z" protests in Kenya and Nepal, the three days of demonstrations are the largest the Indian Ocean island has seen in years, and the most serious challenge Rajoelina has faced since his re-election in 2023.

"We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them," Rajoelina said in a televised speech.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the casualties include protesters and bystanders killed by members of the security forces, but also others killed in subsequent widespread violence and looting by individuals and gangs not associated with the protesters.—Reuters