Protests in Madagascar have entered its fifth day with demonstrators now demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.
Inspired by the youth-led protests in Kenya and Nepal, the rallies have been the largest the Indian Ocean island has seen in years.
The demonstration is also the most serious challenge Rajoelina has faced since his re-election in 2023.
The protesters had taken to the streets to criticise the prolonged water and power cuts in the country.
On Monday, Rajoelina said he “terminated the functions of the prime minister and the government”.
“We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have not carried out the tasks assigned to them,” he said as the protests became more deadly.
The president said applications for a new premier would be received but noted that those currently in office would act as interim ministers pending the formation of a new government.
But his move did little to soothe tensions.
On Wednesday, protesters took to the streets in Antananarivo, the capital city, and other towns chanting “get out” and waving flags and banners with the words “Rajoelina Out”.
They also called for the dissolution of the election commission, the senate, and the country’s top court.
Rajoelina first came to power in a 2009 coup. He stepped down in 2014 but became president again after winning the 2018 election.
He later secured a third term in a December 2023 poll that his challengers said was marred by irregularities.
According to the United Nations (UN), at least 22 people have been killed and over 100 others injured.
Madagascar has rejected the figures as “false”.
