Police use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse Madagascar protesters

Around 1,000 anti-government protesters marched in Madagascar’s capital demanding President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation amid escalating unrest. Police fired tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets, injuring several people. The protests, led by “Gen Z Madagascar,” began over water and power shortages but grew to include anger over corruption and nepotism. Tear gas affected a maternity ward, forcing staff to move premature babies. Despite firing his entire cabinet and appointing a new prime minister, Rajoelina refused to resign, accusing opponents of trying to destroy the country. The unrest marks Madagascar’s most significant political turmoil in years.