• Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina dissolved his government amid protests over chronic power and water shortages.
• The UN reports at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries from escalating violence during demonstrations.
• Protests, largely led by Gen Z activists, call for Rajoelina's resignation despite his government dissolution.
• Rajoelina acknowledged public anger, but his promises for dialogue did not appease demonstrators.
• The protests mirror recent youth-led movements globally, inspired by activism in countries like Kenya and Nepal.

In response to increasing unrest, President Andry Rajoelina announced the dissolution of his government on Monday, following significant protests triggered by ongoing water and power shortages. These protests, largely driven by young people, have reportedly resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to the United Nations. Rajoelina stated, "I comprehend the anger, the sorrow, and the challenges... I have heard the call, felt the pain," while acknowledging failings in his administration, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

The protests began last week and quickly escalated, with thousands of participants chanting slogans such as, "We want to live, not survive." In a televised address, Rajoelina announced the termination of the government, but this was met with skepticism from the youth, who demand his resignation as the root cause of their grievances. The unrest has spread to multiple cities across Madagascar, where demonstrators faced police aggression, including tear gas and rubber bullets, as authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew, according to Africanews and India Times.

Despite his attempts to engage in dialogue with the youth, public sentiment remains largely one of distrust and anger. Protesters firmly believe that simply changing the government will not resolve their issues, emphasizing that Rajoelina himself is to blame. Many are calling for structural change rather than temporary adjustments, illustrating a deep-seated frustration with systemic failures. Rajoelina's efforts to appease demonstrators may have been too little, too late, as unrest continues to manifest across the island, as reported by Africanews and Africanews.

The violent episodes during the protests have attracted international attention, with the UN Human Rights Office expressing concern over the security forces' use of excessive force. The Malagasy government has disputed the UN's casualty figures, responding to claims with assertions of misinformation. As the situation develops, the continuing protests signal a significant challenge to Rajoelina's rule and may influence political dynamics moving forward, as indicated by Africanews and Al Jazeera.