Madagascar in Turmoil Over Power Crisis; President Gives Himself One Year to Resolve Issues

 International Desk | PNN

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has announced that he will resolve the country’s electricity and administrative crises, along with ongoing challenges, within one year. He has pledged to resign voluntarily if he fails to do so.

In an open dialogue held at the presidential palace in the capital Antananarivo, Rajoelina spoke with supporters and representatives of various civic groups. He stated, “I don’t seek praise; I want the truth. Those who said everything was fine are responsible for today’s situation.”

The youth activist group named “Gen Z Mada” declined to participate in the dialogue. They cited government repression and human rights violations as reasons for boycotting the discussion and have called for new protests on Thursday.

Rajoelina emphasized that Madagascar’s problems cannot be solved through violence, but rather through free and sincere dialogue. He noted that once ongoing electricity projects are completed, an additional 265 megawatts will be added to the national grid.

The President declared, “I promise—if load-shedding is not eliminated in the capital within the next year, I will resign.”

The protests, which began on September 25 over electricity and water shortages, have now expanded into widespread public anger against corruption, unemployment, and rising living costs. Last week, President Rajoelina dissolved his entire cabinet and appointed military officer General Andriana Rakotomanana as the new Prime Minister. Protesters, however, have rejected this appointment and announced that they will continue their movement.

According to United Nations figures, at least 22 protesters have been killed and many others injured, though the government disputes these numbers.

Life in most parts of the capital continues normally, but tensions persist in some areas due to a heavy police presence.