Security forces in Madagascar have fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse youth-led protests in recent days, following two weeks of anti-government protests that have rocked the Indian Ocean island.
At least 1,000 protesters marched through Madagascar’s capital on Thursday, some throwing objects at security guards.
The movement behind the protests, known as Gener Z Mada, rejected President Andriy Rajoelina’s offer to attend talks on Wednesday and once again called for his resignation.
The group said it could not cooperate with a government that had oppressed it while demanding basic human rights.
Security forces charged at protesters with armored vehicles, AFP reported on Thursday, adding that police had made numerous arrests.
The protests, which began on September 25 amid anger over persistent power and water shortages, have expanded into complaints about corruption, high unemployment and a cost-of-living crisis.
Rajoelina held a town hall-style meeting with various government supporters at her palace on Wednesday, despite every member of Gen Z deciding not to attend, and said she would resign within a year if their concerns were not addressed by then.
“I pledge that if blackouts continue in the capital within a year, I will resign,” he told attendees, assuring attendees that ongoing power projects would address recurring power outages by adding 265 megawatts to the national grid.
Many attendees had the opportunity to ask the President questions or simply share their views, and the President responded.
He said, “I don’t want flattery. I want to hear the truth. The people who keep telling me it’s okay are responsible for the current situation.”
Rajoelina has been holding these meetings as part of a commitment to “listen more,” stressing that the problems facing the Indian Ocean island nation can only be solved through honest dialogue, not protest.
Gen Z’s Mada called for a nationwide strike on Thursday after the president’s 48-hour ultimatum to resign expired. Details are unclear.
The protest group vowed not to back down, urging people everywhere to join and declaring “the people of Madagascar will not obey.”
Last week Rajoelina sacked the entire government and appointed an army general as prime minister on Monday. The protest movement rejected the appointment and vowed to continue its fight.
Rajoelina came to power in 2009 after leading mass protests that prompted military intervention and overthrew then-President Marc Ravalomanana.
The youth movement continues to call for his resignation, but street protests appear to have weakened.
In most areas of the capital Antananarivo, business continues as usual, except in some areas where a heavy police presence has resulted in some roads being blocked or closely monitored.
At least 22 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes with security forces, according to the United Nations. Authorities disputed this figure.
