• Madagascar imposes a dusk-to-dawn curfew amid escalating protests over power outages and water shortages.
• Protesters clashed with police, who used teargas and rubber bullets, leading to looting and vandalism across the capital.
• President Rajoelina sacked his energy minister as part of efforts to quell unrest amid accusations of government neglect.
• The protests have resulted in at least five fatalities and widespread destruction, prompting a crackdown by security forces.
• Demonstrators plan to continue their protests, calling for accountability and better services from the government.

Authorities in Madagascar have declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Antananarivo, following violent protests triggered by chronic power outages and water shortages. The protests, which turned violent on Thursday, saw police deploying teargas and rubber bullets as thousands of largely young demonstrators marched through the streets, igniting public anger over persistent service failures. Police reported that the protests involved barricading roads and resulted in widespread looting and arson, particularly targeting a shopping mall and the government's new cable car stations, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Africanews.

The protests escalated quickly, characterized by messages displayed on placards such as "Water and electricity are basic human needs," reflecting the depth of public frustration, particularly among youth. Local media reported that three homes of politicians close to President Andry Rajoelina were among those attacked, further politicizing the unrest. General Angelo Ravelonarivo, head of a joint security body, noted that "individuals taking advantage of the situation" were causing property damage, according to Le Monde and Africanews.

President Rajoelina has described the unrest as "acts of destabilization," emphasizing his administration's commitment to restoring order. In response to public outcry, he dismissed his energy minister in an attempt to address the ongoing crises; however, this move has failed to quell the anger of the demonstrators. The protests, primarily organized via social media, showcase a growing momentum among youth frustrated by the government's lack of action on essential services, as reported by Africanews and Le Monde.

Despite the curfew, organizers are calling for continued protests, urging participants to engage in peaceful demonstrations. Many protesters express a desire for improved living conditions and accountability from their leaders, indicating that this might be a significant challenge for President Rajoelina’s administration moving forward. The unrest reflects broader discontent in a nation where over 75 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, as highlighted by Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Africanews.