A fervent wave of protests has engulfed Madagascar’s vibrant capital, Antananarivo, as public frustration reaches a tipping point over relentless shortages of water and electricity. Citizens have taken to the streets with impassioned voices, hurling accusations at the government for what they perceive as gross mismanagement and neglect that have precipitated an escalating humanitarian crisis.

This grassroots uprising has been aptly named the “Leo Délestage” movement, translating to “Fed Up with Power Cuts.” Thousands of determined protesters have flocked to the heart of the city in recent days, chanting slogans and waving banners in a powerful display of defiance against the frequent blackouts—some lasting up to 12 hours each day—compounded by an inconsistent and unreliable water supply.

Many neighborhoods have been stripped of access to clean water for extended periods, significantly disrupting daily life and undermining families’ capacities to sustain their livelihoods and businesses.

In a desperate bid to regain control of the situation, authorities have imposed curfews and deployed a robust security presence throughout the city. However, these measures have only served to heighten tensions, leading to reports of escalating violence.

Incidents of vandalism and confrontations between furious demonstrators and law enforcement have surfaced, resulting in attacks on the homes of public officials and prominent local figures. Local media and human rights organizations estimate that between 6 and 11 individuals have tragically lost their lives in these clashes, with at least 50 others injured amid standoffs between protesters and security personnel.

Government officials attribute the relentless outages to crumbling infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and chronic fuel supply challenges. They pledge to expedite emergency repairs and hasten the import of crucial fuel supplies to alleviate the crisis. Yet, critics contend that the administration has consistently prioritized politically motivated projects yielding scant benefits for ordinary citizens, viewing this neglect as a profound betrayal of public trust.

These demonstrations represent one of the most significant waves of civil unrest Madagascar has witnessed in years, raising alarming questions about potential instability as the nation approaches its 2026 elections. Civil society leaders are calling on the government to engage in genuine dialogue to defuse the escalating tensions and to address the pressing concerns of the populace.

Meanwhile, opposition figures are demanding increased accountability and the swift implementation of reforms aimed at rectifying the persistent service deficiencies. As the crisis unfolds, Madagascar finds itself in a precarious balance, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, awaiting a resolution amid the turmoil.

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