Antananarivo, Madagascar – Protests in Madagascar’s capital entered another tense day on Wednesday, with security forces tightening control over Antananarivo in a bid to suppress mounting demonstrations.
Police locked down the city centre, preventing protesters from reaching Democracy Square in Ambohijatovo, a symbolic gathering point for dissent. Witnesses reported the use of tear gas as demonstrators attempted to push through.
“What’s happening now is that we want to go to Democracy Square in Ambohijatovo, and we’re being blocked here. They’re firing tear gas at us, and people are fleeing through the small alleys. The police are still here, in large numbers,” one protester told reporters.
The escalation follows Tuesday’s events, when crowds briefly managed to occupy Democracy Square before being cleared out. By Wednesday, the square was deserted, with both demonstrators and journalists condemning what they described as an assault on freedom of speech.
The wave of protests, led largely by young people, began last Thursday. Demonstrators cite deep frustration with ongoing water and electricity shortages that have worsened living conditions across the country.
In a bid to calm public anger, President Andry Rajoelina dismissed his government on Monday. But the move has done little to defuse the unrest, with protesters now openly demanding his resignation.
“We are not afraid. We’re here because we are ready to fight. We are not going to run away, we are ready to fight to the end,” another protester said.
Meanwhile, allies of the president are mobilizing online, calling on his supporters to gather and defend him against growing opposition.
The standoff between protesters and the government shows no sign of easing, raising fears of prolonged instability in the island nation.
