ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (BN24) — Youth-led protesters in Madagascar on Wednesday rejected an offer of national dialogue from President Andry Rajoelina, denouncing the government’s approach as violent and insincere. The protesters, who have been demonstrating for over two weeks, announced plans for a nationwide strike, escalating a political confrontation that has already claimed dozens of lives and exposed deep-rooted public anger over corruption, poverty, and state repression.
In a statement posted to their official Facebook page, organisers of the movement described the president’s invitation to hold talks with religious leaders, students, and youth representatives as “a mockery of dialogue.” The statement accused the Rajoelina administration of using brutal force to silence dissent and violating the rights of young people who have taken to the streets demanding change.
“We refuse the president’s invitation to talks,” the protest leaders declared. “We will not engage in dialogue with a regime that represses, assaults, and humiliates its youth in the streets.”
The rejection came shortly after the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by protesters, during which they demanded urgent action from the government. Having received no satisfactory response, organisers have now called for a general strike, urging workers, students, and civil society groups across the country to mobilise.
The Union of Junior Doctors in Madagascar joined the protest movement on Wednesday, condemning what it called a “violent and disproportionate” police response to student-led demonstrations the day before. Medical personnel criticised the state’s handling of the protests and expressed solidarity with demonstrators, further widening the scope of opposition to the government.
Since protests erupted on September 25, the situation has rapidly deteriorated. According to figures released by the United Nations last week, at least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured in clashes between security forces and demonstrators. The violence has drawn concern from international observers, though the government has defended its actions as necessary to maintain public order.
Initially ignited by widespread frustration over chronic shortages of water and electricity, the protests have evolved into a broader movement targeting the root causes of economic hardship and systemic corruption. Many protesters — most of them from Generation Z — now demand the resignation of President Rajoelina, accusing his administration of enriching a political elite while ignoring the worsening conditions faced by ordinary Malagasy citizens.
President Rajoelina, who returned to power in 2019 after previously leading the country from 2009 to 2014, has made several attempts in recent weeks to ease the growing unrest. In a dramatic political move, he dismissed his entire cabinet and appointed a new prime minister with a military background. However, critics see these steps as cosmetic and insufficient to address the demands of a population losing faith in traditional political institutions.
Despite mounting pressure from the streets, the president has not indicated any intention to step down. His office maintains that the offer of dialogue remains open and has urged protesters to come to the table to avoid further violence and instability.
But protesters remain defiant. Many say they will continue demonstrating until there is meaningful political change and accountability for the deaths and injuries suffered during the crackdown.
With the announcement of a nationwide strike and expanding support from professional groups, Madagascar now faces the prospect of prolonged disruption. The movement, fueled by youthful energy and a refusal to back down in the face of repression, has become the most serious challenge to Rajoelina’s leadership since his return to power.
