Madagascar President Announces National Dialogue Amid Growing Youth-Led Protests

Antananarivo: Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has announced plans to convene a national dialogue on Wednesday, following a 48-hour ultimatum issued by youth protesters demanding that he meet their conditions or face a nationwide strike.

The move comes amid escalating unrest in the Indian Ocean island nation, where demonstrations that began on September 25 over water and electricity shortages have evolved into broader calls for Rajoelina’s resignation. The protests, largely driven by the country’s youth and inspired by recent “Gen Z” movements in Kenya and Nepal, have become the largest wave of dissent Madagascar has seen in years, fueled by anger over poverty, unemployment, and corruption.

In an apparent bid to ease tensions, Rajoelina last week dismissed his cabinet and, on Monday, appointed army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new prime minister. However, the reshuffle has done little to appease protesters, who dismissed the appointment as a “cosmetic manoeuvre.”

Addressing the nation through a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Rajoelina said the upcoming dialogue would aim to “listen to people’s concerns” and “develop lasting solutions” to the country’s challenges.

“Together, we must unite to fight against these evils and to build a new society founded on solidarity and mutual respect,” he said, adding that spiritual leaders, students, youth representatives, and civil society members would be invited to participate in Wednesday’s discussions.

The protest leaders have yet to issue a detailed list of demands but have previously called for the President’s resignation, an apology to the nation, and the dissolution of both the Senate and the national election commission.

On Tuesday, small groups of demonstrators once again took to the streets of Antananarivo, though turnout was significantly lower than in previous weeks. According to reports from the independent outlet 2424.MG, police swiftly dispersed the protesters after brief marches through the capital.

The United Nations has reported that at least 22 people have died and over 100 have been injured since the demonstrations began—a claim the Malagasy government has disputed.

As tensions simmer, all eyes are now on Wednesday’s dialogue, which many see as Rajoelina’s last major attempt to avert a nationwide strike and restore stability in a country increasingly restless for change.